What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar

Posted by September 18th, 2009 at 8:01 am

Categories

Hornworms

Large green/yellow hornworm?
September 17, 2009
I noticed that our forsythia plant appeared to have died, but upon closer inspection, found a large yellow/green critter on it. Can you help me Identify the caterpillar?
Brian
rock hill south carolina

rustic cat forsythia 300x186 Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar

Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar

Hi Brian,
We looked at all the possible Sphinx Caterpillar candidates found in South Carolina on Bill Oehlke’s website before deciding that the Rustic Sphinx, Manduca rustica, is the likeliest possiblity for your individual.  The real decisive factor is the food plant forsythia.  Forsythia is in the olive family Oleaceae, and the Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar feeds on the leaves of plants in that family.

Related Posts

 

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Post a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.