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Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar

Posted by October 28th, 2009 at 9:09 am

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Hornworms

Western Tiger Swallowtail catepillar
October 27, 2009
I was wondering why the leaves of my penta plant were disappearing. Then this morning I found these “eyes” staring at me. At first I thought it was a plastic toy! What an amazing critter.
Marabelle
Sugar Land, TX

tersa cat marabelle 300x160 Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar

Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar

Hi Marabelle
Though it resembles a Western Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar, your critter is a Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar.  The Swallowtail has one set of eyespots, while the Tersa Sphinx has numerous eyespots.  The Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar does not have a caudal horn, and the Tersa Sphinx does possess a caudal horn.  Sphinx Moth caterpillars are often called Hornworms.  Penta is a typical food plant for the Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar.

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