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Hornworms4-5 inch worm/caterpillar
September 10, 2009
This was found in my sisters yard and we were just wondering what it was. We have never seen anything like this around here before. dont know how well the pictures will come out but its green with what looks like some reddish brown triangle shapes all along its back. it has very tiny spikes on its head and what looks like a hook that is very hard on the opposite end of it. its about 4-5 inches long and about the thickness of a cigar. when it was picked up with a plastic spoon it tried to stab the spoon with the “hook”. so maybe a little aggressive.
Cristin Morvant
Louisiana, USA
Waved Sphinx Caterpillar
Hi Cristin,
This is a Sphinx Moth Caterpillar, known as a Hornworm. It is most likely a Waved Sphinx, Ceratomia undulosa. The green caterpillar, according to Bill Oehlke, takes on a rosy hue prior to pupation.
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Comments 2
I rescued one of these this morning from a bird. The caterpillar is not harmed- however Bill Oehlke’s website indicates that they shouldn’t be this far west. I’m in Phoenix, AZ. Perhaps it is anothertype of Sphinx moth caterpillar?
Posted 13 Sep 2009 at 3:24 pm ¶How can I send an image?
Thanks,
Sindi Westberg
We also found one that appears to be a Waved Sphinx on 10/11/09 in Mesa, AZ. About 4 inches long with the same brownish, diagonal markings as the one shown by Cristin Morvant. We’re trying to find the right food for it. Any ideas? And how can we send an image?
Posted 15 Oct 2009 at 12:01 am ¶Thanks,
Mark and Marily Smith
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