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Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar
(10/27/2006) a picture for you
Can you please tell me which of the sphnix moths this will
be? I have found several feeding on a small wild euphorbia
in a vacant lot near my house in central Texas. I don't believe
this is as large as it will grow as I've seen larger ones.
It must be one of the many sphnix moths but I can find it
neither in my book or on your excellent website. Thank you,
Carol Wadley
Hi Carol,
The caterpillar from the Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth, Sphinx euphorbiae,
an introduced species that feeds on leafy spurge, Euphorbia
esula. The caterpillar has several color variations.
Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar
(10/22/2006) Rustic Sphix caterpillar?
I live in Queen Creek Arizona. This morning my 2.5 year old
son was looking out the front window and telling me he saw
a millipede outside (we found a small one in the house one
time and since then he's wanted to see one again). We went
outside and found not a millipede but THE BIGGEST CATERPILLAR
I HAVE EVER SEEN! It was a little cool out this morning and
the caterpillar was laying on the even cooler cement and not
moving much, there was also some "moisture" coming
from its mouth region. I assumed it wasn't doing so well.
My son wanted to look at it some more so I put it in a plastic
box and took it inside. The caterpillar perked right up...I'm
assuming because it was warmer in the house. I was interested
to know what this caterpillar was so I got on the internet
and did some research (that is actually how I found your website
a few months ago when I was trying to figure what type of
spider I was seeing all over my house. I love your website!)
I think I have narrowed this caterpillar down to some kind
of "sphix" caterpillar and I think it is a rustic
sphix. Am I right? Please let me know.
Steph
Hi Steph,
We agree with your Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar identification.
Just before pupation, many caterpillars turn pink, orange
or brown. Also, before pupation, those that burrow in the
ground leave the food plant and become more visible. This
is often in the autumn. Give your caterpillar some loose soil
and it will burrow and pupate.
Tersa
Sphinx Caterpillar
(10/20/2006) caterpillar ID help
Hi,
I would appreciate your help with identifying this caterpillar.
It was photographed near the road at Sumatra, Apalachicola
National Forest, Florida, USA, Thank you
Fero
Hi Fero,
What a nice photo of a Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar.
Achemon Sphinx Caterpillar
(10/20/2006) Some type of sphinx moth caterpillar?
Ridgecrest, CA (Mojave Desert), found exactly as pictured,
today, in graveled area next to house. It doesn't fit the
White-Lined Sphinx Moth, which I know we have in the area.
About 3.5 in long, 0.5 in diameter. I perused a couple of
pages on your site and did not find any match, especially
that central eye-like marking. Thanks,
Jean
Hi Jean,
This is an Achemon Sphinx Caterpillar, Eumorpha achemon. The
caterpillars feed on grape leaves, Virginia creeper and other
vines.
Mexican Stinging Caterpillar
(10/16/2006) Killer catepillar
Any idea what this nasty little critter is? My husband brushed
up against these while trimming a tree in our yard on the
beach in Mexico. Sent him to emergency room. He said it hurt
worse than when he ran over his foot with lawnmower. In severe
pain for nearly 48 hours. Thanks for the help.
Diane & Mike Prewett
Darien, GA
Chicxulub, Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico
Hi Diane and Mike,
There are several U.S. sites devoted to stinging caterpillars.
We do not recognize your Mexican species, but will try to
research a more definite answer.
Prominent Moth Caterpillar: Heterocampa species
(10/16/2006) Unknown Caterpillar From Arkansas
I found this caterpillar on an asphalt parking lot at Petit
Jean State Park in Arkansas on October 6, 2006 at about 3:00
PM. My description of this caterpillar is: Smooth segmented,
non-hairy, pinkish gray body with dark pink linear and blotch
markings on dorsal area. Two dark pink spots at bottom last
two segments. White spiracles, short black stalk eyes, with
a strong, smooth mouth. I have never seen a caterpillar like
this in Arkansas and would like to know any information about
it.
Ed Gardner
Edmond, OK
Hi Ed,
This is the caterpillar of a Prominent Moth in the genus Heterocampa.
Oleander Caterpillar
(10/14/2006) Caterpillars of Syntomeida epilais Walker, 1854
Dear Daniel and Lisa Anne,
I think so far you have only one (not very beautiful) image
of the Oleander caterpillar, the young of the Polkadot Wasp
Moth, Syntomeida epilais Walker, 1854, so I thought you might
possibly like some prettier shots. I found them in May of
2006, chewing on an Oleander bush at 1,000 feet, on the island
of Nevis, Leeward Islands, West Indies. When he saw these
caterpillars, my spouse was surprised and said that they looked
sort of like a toothbrush! (A Halloween toothbrush maybe?)
Best to you,
Susan J. Hewitt
 
Hi Susan,
Your submission is so timely, since we just posted a letter
with a photo of the adult Polka-Dot Wasp Moth.
Luna Moth Caterpillar
(10/10/2006) Here is a strange caterpillar for you
I found this in my yard in South east Texas. I think he's
really neat and I can't find any info on him.
Thanks for your help!
Melinda
Hi Melinda,
This Luna Moth Caterpillar has turned from green to pink as
a signal that pupation is near.
Orange Dog
(10/09/2006) Bird Poop Caterpillar
Hi Bugman,
I believe I may have found the Bird Poop Caterpillar on my
lemon tree here in Kansas City. I see pictures of the moth
but can not find pictures of the caterpillar. What do you
think?
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
The caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly resembles
bird droppings and eats leaves of citrus trees. It is commonly
called the Orange Dog.
Showy Emerald Caterpillar
(10/09/2006) beautiful fern-like inchworm found in Tennessee
Hello whatsthatbug! Thought i'd add to the bizarre inchworm
pictures with these snapshots of a strange brown fern frond
i saw waving in the breeze-less air of Franklin, Tennessee
this September. Upon closer inspection, it was of course this
lovely creature. I've attempted to look up caterpillars of
tennessee, but haven't found this guy. Any help, or a point
in the right research direction would be appreciated! thank
you for the lovely site!
JD
Hi JD,
We quickly identified this inchworm as a Showy Emerald, Dichorda
iridaria by using BugGuide.
Correction:
Curve-Lined Owlet Caterpillar
(10/08/2006) caterpillar
Sorry to keep bugging you. I really enjoy taking bug pictures.
Here are some pictures of a caterpillar that I found today.
What kind is it, please? Dallas, Georgia
Lee Hooker
 
Hi Lee,
You keep sending us great quality images of one interesting
specimen after another. At first we thought this was one of
the Prominent Moth Caterpillars in the family Notodontidae
and then misidentified it as a Horned Spanworm, but Cameron
set us straight by writing in: "Unless it's another name for
the species I think your Horned Spanworm is actually the Curve-Lined
Owlet. It only eats Geenbrier. Cameron" The Curve Lined Owlet,
Phyprosopus callitrichoides, can also be seen on BugGuide.
Spotted Apatelodes Caterpillar
(10/07/2006) caterpillar
What kind of caterpillar is this? I searched your site and
could not find one like it. It's yellow, fuzzy, and about
3 inches long. Found in Dallas, Georgia.
Lee Hooker
Hi Lee,
What a gorgeous photo of a Spotted Apatelodes Caterpillar,
Apatelodes torrefacta. The adult moth is sometimes confused
with the sphinx moths, when it is in fact related to the silk
moths.
Snowberry
Clearwing Caterpillar
(10/07/2006) Hemaris diffinus early instar brown caterpillar
I confirmed with Bill Oelke that this is indeed hemaris diffinus.
He has put it on his web page, too. But, I thought you might
like a photo of it, which confirms that early instars can
be in the brown form as well. This was a 1st instar cat. Caterpillar
found on lonicera (honeysuckle) Thank you again for your website
- I love it!
Susan Johnston
OKC, OK
Hi Susan,
We just posted photos of what we believe to be the final instar
of this species, both green and brown. Thank you for contributing
an early instar as well.
Correction:
Columbia Silkmoth Caterpillar
(10/07/2006) Hi,
We live on the outskirts of Prescott, Arizona, in the forest,
and at a slightly higher elevation than the town itself (around
6000 feet high). Anyway, my son found this caterpillar, and
we were wondering what it is. I am providing you with two
views, hopefully it will be helpful. Thanks!
Lynne LaMaster
 
Hi Lynne,
Our first inclination would be that this was a Cecropia Moth
Caterpillar, but you are west of the typical range. A western
species in the same genus is the Ceanothus Silkmoth, Hyalophora
euryalus. We searched online for a photo of the caterpillar,
and found a site
that substantiates our suspicions.
Columbia Silk Moth
(04/23/2007) Glover Silkmoth
While visiting your website, I came across one of the caterpillars
you identified as Ceanothus Silkmoth. I thought the photo
resembled the Glover Silkmoth, are they the same? I live in
southern Arizona. I found a glover silkmoth and then began
to raise them last year. Here are some photos of the Glover
Silkmoths that I raised, one as a caterpillar and one of a
male that recently hatched.
Amy
 
Hi Amy,
Glover's Silk Moth, Hyalophora columbia gloveri, is a subspecies
of the Columbia
Silk Moth, Hyalophora columbia, which is found in Arizona.
The Columbia Silk Moth is closely related the the Ceanothus
Silk Moth, Hyalophora euryalus, which is not found in
Arizona. Our identification of that caterpillar was based
incorrectly on its range, cince the Ceanothus Silk Moth is
found west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Columbia
Silk Moth ranging to the east. Thank you for sending us both
the caterpillar and adult photo and correcting our earlier
error.
Snowberry Clearwing Caterpillars
(10/05/2006) Hope your not too busy
Dear Bugman,
I have browsed your wonderful pictures and now know where
to look when friends have an insect id they want me to do.
I also am known by friends and family as "The Bugman"
as I have had an interest in insects since birth. It has been
great to see some of the interesting ones I haven't seen yet
on your site. This brings me to my querie. I was recently
in my backyard observing a wasp chew up a caterpillar it had
paralyzed. It was a caterpillar I had not seen before. I walked
closer to the honeysuckle bush (or close relative) that it
had been munching on and began to see many others materialize.
The largest where 2 inches long and I photographed both color
phases that I noticed. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and dear
fellow colleagues, if you have the time, I would appreciate
your assistance. I have a landscape business and if there
are some insects you have an interest in photographing out
this way let me know I will do my best to send some your way.
They are still currently munching away in mid October. Many
thanks,
Craig aka The Bugman
 
Hi Craig,
Thank you for sending your wonderful photos of Snowberry Clearwing
Caterpillars, Hemaris diffinis. The adult moth is sometimes
called a Bumblebee Moth and the moths are often confused with
hummingbirds. Bill
Oehlke's site lists honeysuckle as a food plant.
Imperial Moth Caterpillar
(10/05/2006) caterpillar
Bugman,
My 2 year old daughter found this out near her swingset today.
We've only lived in coastal Virginia for 2 yrs so we're not
entirely familiar with local bugs. Can you help us to identify
this character? We don't know what to feed him. It's over
2 inches in length and very thick in circumference. Thanks.
This is an Imperial Moth Caterpillar. It will metamorphose
into a lovely large yellow and purple moth.
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
(10/05/2006) Caterpllar ID please
I have been searching all sorts of photos on the web. I have
not been able to find anything that remotely resembles this
fella. I live in Central PA.
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
This is a Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar. Over the years,
we have received at least 4 images and have them in our archives
buried somewhere on our 7 caterpillar pages.
Possibly Banded Sphinx Caterpillar
(10/04/2006) What am I?
Hi! Maybe you can help me. I found this caterpillar roaming
around my patio this morning. I've tried looking online for
something that looks like him, and the only thing I can find
is the Abbot's Sphinx Caterpillar, Sphecodina abbotti. I didn't
find a picture that looked like this one, but the description
sure does match. I live in California, and have a grape vine
in our back yard. Don't know if that's where the caterpillar
was heading, but it sure was on the move. I also have fruit
trees in my yard. Should I be worried??? Thanks so much for
any information you can provide!
-Jenny
Hi Jenny,
We really wanted to get an answer for you to find out if you
are related to our former student, the wonderful photographer
Anita. We believe this is a Banded Sphinx Caterpillar, Eumorpha
fasciatus. It is a highly variable caterpillar. Bill
Oehlke's fabulous page does not have a color match, but
BugGuide
has a very similar looking specimen. Grape is a host food
plant.
Plebian Sphinx Caterpillar
(10/04/2006) Plebeian Sphinx Moth Caterpillar
Since I don't see these caterpillars in your database, I thought
I would send you several so you have a choice which to use,
if you want them.
This is a plebeian moth caterpillar that I found in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma, on trumpet creeper (campsis radicans). The
interesting thing is that the caterpillar is prettier than
the moth. I love the blue "horn" on it, and the
startling lemon-green color of the moth's upperside. Please
feel free to use or discard if you wish.
Susan Johnston
Hi Susan,
We are going to trust that you have properly identified the
Plebian Sphinx Caterpillar, Paratraea plebeja, because we
doubt we would have said anymore than a generic Sphinx Caterpillar
based on the photo. We didn't locate much information online,
but we did find this site.
Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(10/04/2006) Black and Yellow Caterpillar
Help! I found a couple of these at Lake Tahoe, I followed
them around for awhile, then said goodbye. I'd really like
to know what kind it is and what it will turn into.
Sharon Dellinger
Hi Sharon,
Until someone informs us otherwise, be believe this to be
the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata,
formerly Halisidota maculata. Many times the caterpillar has
black tufts along the dorsal ridge, but we have located an
image
online that resembles your specimen.
Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(10/04/2006) What is this caterpillar?
What is this? We found him on our picnic table last weekend
at Burr Oak State Park near Nelsonville, Ohio. It is in the
SE part of the state in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains
(if that helps). We didn't touch it becuase Mom read "stinging
caterpillars" are fuzzy ones. Please help! Thanks!!!
Kyra and Ella Walker
Hi Kyra and Ella,
This is one of the Tussock Moth Caterpillars in the genus
Halysidota. It is most likely the Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar,
Halysidota tessellaris. While it is true that caterpillars
with hairs and spines are sometimes stinging species, this
is not one of those.
Xylophanes falco Caterpillar
(10/02/2006) 2 pictures for you
After bemoaning the lack of good moth books, I just discovered
your wonderful site. Thanks! This is a sphinx larva, full
view (the best color) and close up of the beautiful false
eye. I took the picture with my digital in the Chihuahuan
Desert in far West Texas just a few days ago. There were about
8 larvae on the plant, all about the same size. Do you know
what moth it will be? Thanks for the photos and i.d. of the
beautiful Tursa moth. I've had one in my back yard, (it is
strangely "tame" , allowing many photos while it
sat on my hand) but had no idea of it's identity - and it's
not in any of my insect or butterfly/moth books. I live in
Central Texas. Can you tell me what the larva feed on?
Carol Ann Wadley
Hi Carol Ann,
We identified your Xylophanes falco Caterpillar on Bill
Oehlke's excellent website. It is in the same genus as
the Tersa Sphinx, but it has no common name. The larvae feed
on Bouvardia glaberrima in the madder family (Rubiaceae).
Toad Bug and Mysterious Pink Sphinx Caterpillar: Possibly
Elegant Sphinx
(10/01/2006) Greetings from the lower rogue river
Good morning, from the black bar lodge employees...we have
found these recently...one is a bug from down by the river...the
other was walking across the road...we are located in southern
Oregon...we are hoping that you can help us identify these
both...thanks in advance for your help...
Lynnie, rusty, alisa and cassidy...
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| Toad
Bug |
Mysterious
Sphinx Caterpillar |
Dear Black Bar Employees,
Your aquatic bug is a Toad Bug in the Family Gelastocoridae.
They live on the banks of creeks, ponds and rivers and they
eat small aquatic creatures. BugGuide has additional information.
The pink caterpillar has us challenged. It is a Sphinx Moth,
family Sphingidae, but after that it is all speculation. We
spent considerable time on Bill
Oehlke's excellent Sphingidae site and are guessing, based
on location and general appearance, that this might be an
Elegant Sphinx, Sphinx perelegans. A second
site gave us a detailed description of the larva, but
does not mention the pink colortion. Many caterpillars change
color from green to brown or orange just before pupation.
Some caterpillars, like the Heterocampas, change pink. We
are theorizing that perhaps some Elegant Sphinx Caterpillars
change pink, but that is just a guess. We may try to contact
Bill Oehlke to get his input. Bill Oehlke quickly wrote back
to us. Here is his assessment: "Daniel, Many of the Sphingidae
larvae are quite similar as are the moths. Many of them also
take on the pinkish hue prior to pupation. I am more inclined
to go with Sphinx chersis for this one, based on the grainy,
raised dots near the head giving skin a slightly granulose
appearance. I would not rule out your intitial diagnosis,
but shape and colouration of spiracles also suggest chersis
to me. Also there is absence of dark coloured spot on lower
(leg) end, opposite side of the white striping. Do you know
which county and surrounding habitat (what kind of trees and
bushes nearby)? Ash, lilac, privet, cherry, and/or quaking
aspen nearby would also tend toward an id as chersis. Glad
the website is helpful. I wil ask Jim Tuttle if he can be
even more positive on the id. Bill Oehlke"
Sycamore Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(10/01/2006) caterpillars
Hi! I found your site several weeks ago after my arm grazed
a Saddleback Caterpillar. After several minutes of frantic
searching, certain that the bubbling flesh sensation on my
arm was a harbinger of death, I was relieved to learn that
the toxin is usually just a nuisance. Discovering that there
are so many bizarre caterpillars that I?ve never seen before
helped me deal with the discomfort of the sting. Since then,
I?ve used your site for a few other identifications. Here?s
a caterpillar I came across yesterday. It looked rather like
the Tussock Moth caterpillars pictured on your site, but not
quite. After delving deeper into the Tussock category, I believe
it?s a Sycamore Tussock Caterpillar. I don?t think you have
a picture of this particular variety. I?m still having trouble
identifying this rust-colored caterpillar that looks like
it has facial hair. After viewing all of your caterpillar
shots, I think it's vaguely Dagger-ish, but I'm not convinced.
Any ideas? I live in southern Maryland. Thanks so much for
your great work!
~MM
PS-- On the camera front: I?ve also learned that my Cannon
Powershot is great for many things, but shooting moving fuzzy
caterpillars is not among its strengths. So far, nothing holds
a candle to my old Pentax K-1000.
Hi MN,
Thanks for sending us an image of the Sycamore Tussock Moth,
Halysidota harrisii. Researching its scientific name led us
to a caterpillar site we hadn't visited before, Tom
Murray's Moth Caterpillars. We agree your other caterpillar
is probably a Dagger Moth, but the photo is quite blurry.
Hubbard's
Silkmoth Caterpillar
(09/30/2006) Unknown Beautiful Caterpillar
Dear WTB,
My 2-year old daughter discovered this caterpillar amongst
"Primrose" jasmine and "Barbara Karst" bougainvillea here
in Tucson, Arizona on Sep. 30, 2006. After being "captured",
it was offered jasmine and appeared uninterested. However,
it seems to enjoy eating the bougainvillea. The color seems
a little off in this photo. Its underside, head, and rear-end
are leaf-green; its back and sides are maroon. The teardrop
shaped "spikes" on each section of the body are metallic silver
on the topsides and red-tipped white on the undersides. The
"bumps" that line each section of the body are metallic gold.
It is absolutely beautiful and, unfortunately, I have so far
been unable to get a picture of it which does it the slightest
bit of justice. My daughter absolutely loves the little critter
and so we have given it a home in a large "bug house". I'm
not really sure how to care for it, but I have equipped it
with a rigid stick for climbing, a damp cotton pad for moisture,
and bougainvillea leaves for food. If you are able to tell
me, I would be greatly interested in learning what kind of
caterpillar it is, what it will become, and how best to care
for it. I think it would be great if my daughter could witness
its metamorphosis before we release it back outside. Thank
you!
Janet
Hi Janet,
This is a Hubbard's Silkmoth or Mesquite Moth Caterpillar,
Sphingicampa hubbardi. The caterpillars food plants are listed
as acacia and mesquite. Perhaps you have one of those nearby.
If not, it seems we might be able to add bouganvilla to the
list of host plants. The adult moths are grayish brown with
rosy pink hind wings. We would love to recieve a photo of
the adult if the metamorphosis is successful.
Grapeleaf
Skeletonizer Hatchlings
(09/29/2006) Whats this?
Hy, I am Don from Franklin, La, and I have a second year growth
of Thompson White Seedless grape vines that have and still
has this pocket of caterpillars, they start with a group of
egg pockets cluster about the size of a quarter and grow to
small caterpillars and eat away at the leaves, I sprayed with
daconil and also use seven dust (which is better) than daconil.
What is it and what is the best control? I also saw a leafhopper.
Don
Hi Don,
These are Grapeleaf Skeletonizers, Harrisina americana. The
caterpillars will eat the leaves to the veins. We don't provide
extermination advice.
Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(09/29/2006) Lophocampa Maculata caterpillar
Hiya! I used your site to identify the caterpillars which
are currently roaming over my area (heavily wooded area outside
La Conner, in western Washington). Thought you might like
a copy of my best pic. Cute little guys! I'm also trying to
identify the spiders which are at the height of their seasonal
activity. I think it might be a kind of wolf spider (I'm quite
familiar with those, we have them everywhere...) since they
are similar in size, general shape, "boxing gloves,"
and behavior (no webs, running around, hiding under stuff).
However, while wolf spiders are gray and kind of furry-looking,
these have brown/black bodies, reddish-orange legs, and a
smooth/shiny appearance. I haven't been able to get a good
pic of one yet, but I'll send it along as soon as I have a
good photo opportunity. Thanks for all your hard work, your
site is the best!
Erika
Hi Erika,
Thanks for sending us your photo of a Spotted Tussock Moth
Caterpillar. The spiders you describe sound like Wolf Spiders.
Orange Dog and Chrysalis
(09/28/2006) I thought you might like this
I saw on your site that you were looking for a photo of an
'orange dog' and I believe this is it. I found these huge
caterpillars in late June on my lemon tree in Arlington, Texas.
Stretched along the branches, they were perfectly camouflaged
as bird droppings. When disturbed, they display a red-orange
star-shaped organ that smells like 'caterpillars'. The scent
is what clued me in to their presence. I smelled them while
watering the little tree. These are very large, scary-looking
caterpillars, and I wore gloves to pick them up; however,
they didn't harm anyone. We kept these in an aquarium on the
back porch (with netting over the top) and I sacrificed a
few more of my lemon leaves to allow them to reach maturity.
We released six of the adults in early July. Unfortunately
I was unable to photograph the adults.
Char
P.S. Love your site.
 
Hi Char,
Your letter is quite wonderful. Since that request was made,
we have received several wonderful images of Orange Dogs,
but yours is the first submission of a Chrysalis, which excites
us to no end. Swallowtail Chrysalids can be distinguished
by the girdle of silk that keeps the pupa in an upright position.
White Flannel Moth Caterpillar
(09/27/2006) identify caterpillar
Hello
My boyfriend found this caterpillar in his front yard in Southern
Maryland. When he found this caterpillar(S) he was cutting
the grass on a riding lawn mower and drove through a Red Bud
Tree and out of the branches he started to get sensations
in 3 or 4 spots on his body, on the side of his belly, arm
and leg. Then there is a stinging burning sensation. We have
searched the internet with no avail. Can you tell us what
kind this is? Thanks
Steven & Sheree
Hi Steven and Sheree,
We did not recognize your caterpillar, and we were intrigued
at your lack of luck in researching its identity. Searching
the internet to no avail, in our minds, means that time and
effort were spent. We simply typed caterpillar and redbud
and googled, and the immediately found two sites, Stinging
Caterpillars of Alabama, and Stinging
Caterpillars on Shade and Ornamental Trees, that identified
your caterpillar as a White Flannel Moth Caterpillar, Norape
ovina, whose primary host is the redbud tree.
Imperial Moth Caterpillar
(09/27/2006) imperial moth caterpillar
Hey BugMan!
Check out our Imperial Moth Caterpillar! This was found by
a volunteer at our annual Beach Sweep River Sweep at Saluda
Shoals Park. PS The rangers love the site and use it a lot.
Keep up the great work!
Jay Robinson
Interpretive Park Ranger
Saluda Shoals Park
Columbia SC
Hi Jay,
It thrills us to know that Rangers use our site. We are also
very proud to have just received our own honorary Los Angeles
Urban Rangers patch because of a talk we did at one of their
rambles at the Los Angeles County Fair. Your Imperial Moth
Caterpillar is a fine specimen.
Luna Moth Caterpillar
(09/25/2006) caterpillar
Bugman,
We found this caterpillar in our yard in South Salem, New
York. Is it a cecropia moth? Thank you
The Butlers
Hi Butlers,
This is not a Cecropia Moth, but another Giant Silkmoth, the
Luna Moth Caterpillar.
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
(09/24/2006) whats this bug
hello.
we would like to find out what this bug is. it is yellow and
has green suction cup feet with 2 blue spots on each segment
of his body. he looks similar to a caterpillar. he has cartoonish
looking black lines and spots on his head and around his eyes.
we've never seen anything like this. thanks
katie and kapri
Hi Katie and Kapri,
This is a Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar. They often turn
from green to orange just before getting ready to metamorphose
into a chrysalis.
Monkey Slug Caterpillar
(09/23/2006) Bug of interest
Found your web site while looking to identify the attached
"bug". My wife and I were on vacation Sept. 15th
in the Blue Ridge Parkway and found this little fellow on
the side of the car while parked at a picnic area located
at about 3600 feet elevation. We photographed him/her, put
him on a near by berry tree and moved on up the parkway. At
another stop we found a second one stuck to the side of the
car. We were traveling through an area of the parkway on which
the trees hang directly over the roadway. Watched it for a
while and after deciding that it wasn't going to move on its
own, we moved it to safer location and we moved on. Didn't
see anymore of these fellows at the lower elevations. Having
looked over your web site, I thought you might like a copy
of the "bug". Thanks for being out there... our
young people need to stay in touch with nature more.
Terry Willis
Hi Terry,
This is a Monkey Slug Caterpillar, and you are lucky you did
not get stung as they have stinging spines. We often get reports
that people encounter them when they drop onto their cars.
Hickory Horned Devil
(09/22/2006) I would like to provide you with decent photos
of the "Hickory Horned Devil"
I thought you may like a nice shot of this little critter
(well, since its the largest in America, he's not so little)
Anyway, Thanks for the info, you guys are how I found out
what this guy was!! Please, if you can, reply so I will know
where to go see my pics, if you use them!! Thanks again!br>
Tasha L. Holden
Powder Springs, GA
 
Hi Tasha,
When we first post letters, on an average of 4 per day, they
go to our homepage at www.whatsthatbug.com and afterwards,
they are added to the extensive archive devoted to more specific
pages. You will continue to find your letter and image on
Caterpillars 7.
Cutworm
or Armyworm
(09/22/2006) I know you're busy, but look at my new buddy!
So I brought my pond plants inside over a week ago since the
temps have started dropping rapidly. Today, I noticed a creature
munching on my lizard's tail plant. I really dig catepillars,
so I don't want to let him go outside because it's been frosting
at night. Can you give me an ID when you get a chance? This
guy hails from west-central Illinois. I'm thinking that it's
some sort of Sphinx moth? I was tapping his rear to get him
to move off of his leaf and he turned around and tried to
get my finger!! I think I'll set him up in an enclosure of
some kind for I fear that he'll perish in the temps right
now. Thank you for your time, I appreciate it, and just like
everyone else, I'm OBSESSED with WTB
Erika
Hi Erika,
We have always just generically referred to this group of
Owlet Moth Caterpillars in the family Noctuidae as Cutworms.
BugGuide
likes the more specific name Armyworm. Here is what Charles
Hogue writes about the group: "All are general feeders and
will eat most kinds of low-growing herbaceous vegetation,
including grasses. The adults are all drab brown or gray moths
with pale translucent hind wings. The fore wings have varied
markings, but in many species there are noticeable found and
kedney-shaped spots near the leading edge." They are called
Cutworms because they will cut a newly sprouted plant at soil
level killing it. They are called Armyworms as they are sometimes
found in large numbers that travel like army troops..
Pink
Spotted Hawkmoth Caterpillars
(09/21/2006) Caterpillars
My name is Jessica Mangus. I am attaching some pictures of
some very interesting caterpillars we found in our morning
glories. As you can see, they are quite large (4" to
5" long) and very oddly colored. The horn you see is
on the back end. I have attempted to find them on several
web sites and have had no luck. They are completely destroying
my morning glories, but, before exterminating them, I wanted
to know what they are. It may be better to relocate them,
or possibly even sacrifice my flowers. If you can be of any
assistance, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you.
Jessica Mangus
Odessa, Texas
 
Hi Jessica,
Your caterpillars with metamorphose into the lovely Pink Spotted
Hawkmoth, Agrius cingulatus. This is the brown form of the
caterpillar. More information can be found on Bill
Oehlke's excellent website.
Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
(09/21/2006) Brown Bug
Hi,
We found this bug outside of the Boys and Girls Club in Kelowna
British Columbia. The kids want to know what it is - perhaps
a Tersa Sphinx? Thanks a bunch!
Heather Painchaud
Hi Heather,
This is a Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar.
Spider
Wasp and Gulf Fritillary
(09/19/2006) bug trade
Hey Bug man! Love your site, and usually find the name of
the bug just by browsing. But I'm stumped on this iridescent
blue bug, maybe he's a wasp? Want to make sure he's not going
to eat my catterpillars, who are happily munching my passion
vine (why don't they eat the flowers?).
In exchange, I have attached some cool pix of the catterpillar
who just today started to build its 'coccoon', you can see
it down at the base...and the fritillaries(I think), who come
out. I have roughly twenty cases in varied stages on my house
and fence, and roughly 50 or more catterpillars still munching.
They seem to love the passion plant for food, and once changed,
they enjoy a rose of sharon, crepe myrtle and lantana, also
they have been feeding at the hummingbird feeder, and some
at the pasion flowers. It has been a warm dry summer, so maybe
that's the reason for the explosion of critters - I didn't
have this many all last year! Here are the photos. I am going
to try and photo the one that's 'pupating'(?) now as it stages,
and can share the other stages with you if you like!
PS - I had visited your site before when I lived in Florida.
Just wanted to let you know that you were highly recommended
by the local AG office here in Perry, Georgia!
Kaye Fiorello
Perry, GA
 
Hi Kaye,
What a sweet complimentary letter. Sadly, we don't recognize
your wasp species, but we have high expectations that Eric
Eaton will correctly identify it. Eric informed us it is a
Spider Wasp. The Gulf Fritillary images are awesome. We don't
know why the caterpillars don't eat the flowers.
Cecropia Caterpillar
(09/17/2006) cecropia moth caterpillar
Dear Lisa Anne and Daniel,
About a week after my hickory horned devils left my sumac
tree, I found three cecropia moth caterpillars on an apple
tree sapling. I managed to snap a few pictures of them, as
well as that of a large praying mantis; my entomologist friend
in town said this was probably a representative of an introduced
species. I found the cecropias as cool as the hickory horned
devils. I've never seen so many bizarre and beautiful caterpillars
in my life. Best Regards,
Glenn
Hi Again Glenn,
Thanks for sending in your Cecropia Caterpillar photo. We
have gotten many photos of them this year.
Another Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar from Mexico
(09/12/2006) Beautiful Caterpillar
Bugman:
We are living in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. We found this
caterpillar in our yard. Some of the locals say that if you
are bit by it, you will be down with a fever for several days.
One of the coolest features is the visible pulsing of fluid
down the black line along its back. Any clues as to what it
is or will become? Thanks. My 6 year old son, Eli, will appreciate
your response. The yogurt container in the photo is a quart
size and the caterpillar is probably 7 or 8 cm long.
Don
Hi Don,
This is the second Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar sent to us
from Mexico today. The locals are wrong, though this caterpillar
does have an interesting defense mechanism besides the protective
markings which mimic a snake. Swallowtail Caterpillars possess
an osmetrium, an orange forked scent organ that remains hidden
until the caterpillar is provoked.
Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
(09/12/2006) a Mexican caterpillar
Hello from England.
This caterpillar was walking along the pavement outside Chapultepec
park in Mexico City on 16th July 2006. Maybe it was looking
for somewhere to pupate. It was about as big as my thumb (21⁄2
inches) and reminded me of the elephant hawkmoth caterpillar
that we get in the UK. It had false eyes and raised the front
of its body in an attempt to look fierce. Can you help?
Best Wishes
Phil Pemberton
Hi Phil,
This is a Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar, and judging by the
orange color, we agree it is getting ready to pupate. The
caterpillars are green for most of their life, often turning
orange or brown just before metamorphosis.
Cardinal
eats Hornworm
(09/11/2006) Cardinal eating hornworm
Bugman,
Love your website! I was searching your site to identify the
tomato hornworm eating my tomato plant. Mr. Cardinal took
care of the situation for me (note beak.)
Laura Nickles
Hi Laura,
What a wonderful addition to our food chain page.
Orange Dog
(09/11/2006) Snake Eyes and Forked Tongue
We discovered about ten caterpillars on our lemon tree in
Texas. They resemble a small snakes head (false eyes) like
some Swallow Tails. When touched…surprise two small
bright orange appendages flick out; looks just like a snake’s
forked tongue. Any ideas? Now that I’ve found your wonderful
site, I’ll get some pictures. One is already in the
pupae stage. Here are a couple photos. They are only about
1 1⁄2 inches in length. Chrysalis photo to follow; it’s
night here now, so I’ll wait until tomorrow. Little
buggers are wreaking havoc on my lemon tree:-). Also, do you
have any tips on relocating the pupae? I want to move it to
a container in order to observe it when it emerges. Thank
you for your time.
Keith L. Wagoner
Commander, U.S. Navy
Hi Commander Keith,
This is an Orange Dog, the caterpillar of the beautiful Giant
Swallowtail. Many people, us included, think they resemble
bird droppings. The orange scent organ is the osmetrium. Try
pruning the branch away from the tree to relocate the chrysalis.
Thw Swallowtails create a silken girdle for the pupa so that
it is upright. Removing the chrysalis without the branch could
damage the creature.
Morning
Glory Prominent or Checkered Fringe Prominent
(09/10/2006) Unicorn or morning glory prominent?
Attached is a photo of the caterpillar that was decimating
my boyfriend's rosebush in the beautiful North Georgia foothills.
After finding your site we have tentatively identified it
as either a unicorn prominent or a morning glory prominent,
but the available online photos are not quite distinct enough
to settle the debate (he says one, I say the other). Can you
tell us which it is, and can you also tell us what it will
turn into? Please feel free to use this photo on your site
if you like. Best,
Ann and David
Hi Ann and David,
This is the second household debate we are being asked to
settle this week. BugGuide has many excellent photos of the
Morning
Glory Prominent, Schizura ipomoeae, which we believe you
have, as well as its close relative, the Unicorn
Prominent. Additional support in the direction of the
Morning Glory Prominent is that rose is listed as a food plant.
Checkered Fringe Prominent
ur wrong
Your morning glory is actually a Checkered Fringe Prominent.
The same caterpillars are eating my roses but most are already
in the prepupal stage.
Cameron
Hi Cameron,
Are we now? BugGuide lists both common names, Checkered Fringe
Prominent and Morning Glory Prominent as the same species,
Schizura
ipomoeae. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
(09/09/2006) whats this caterpillar?
Found this one eating dogwood tree leaves in our yard (in
Maryland). What would it change into?
Wayne Hebert
Hi Wayne,
We love the forced perspective on your Cecropia Moth Caterpillar.
We have photos of the adult Cecropia Moth on our Saturnid
or Giant Silkmoth pages.
Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
(09/09/2006) Some kind of swallowtail?
Dear Bugman,
This caterpillar looks a lot like the tiger swallowtail one,
shown on your site on 7-07-2004, except that it's brown instead
of green. Can these guys change colors depending on their
background? This one was found today on a dark blue shirt
after he/she rode into the house out in the country in northern
Indiana. He/She is only about 2" long and in addition
to the great false eyes, he/she had lots of beautiful purple
(yes, purple!) dots.
Diane M. Whisnant
Hi Diane,
Many caterpillars, including the Tiger Swallowtail you have
sent in, the Spicebush Swallowtail, and some of the Sphinx
Moths, change color before metamorphosis.
Milkweed Tiger Moth Caterpillar
(09/06/2006) What is it?
We have found three or four of these caterpillars in our back
yard here in Lima, Ohio. We have searched several web sites
and feel that it is not exactly like the Spotted Tussock Moth
caterpillar. This one has black spines as well as the white,
and the orange on its back appears almost woven They have
been happily munching away at our milkweed. Is it a variation
of the Spotted Tussock, or something else? Thanks for any
help you may provide. Sincerely,
Cheryl and Earl Fisher
P.S. Our granddaughter calls these critters 'callipitters,'
which I find quite amusing!
Hi Cheryl and Earl,
This is a Milkweed Tiger Moth Caterpillar, Euchaetias egle.
It is also called a Harlequin Caterpillar as well as a Milkweed
Tussock Moth Caterpillar.
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
(09/06/2006) bugs.
Help.... Last year I found this orange dinasour looking bug.
Everyone that I showed this picture to said that they thought
it was fake. Can you please help. Please advise
Thanks
Bambi
Hi Bambi,
This is a Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar. Judging by the
posture and coloration, it is getting ready to form a chrysalis.
The Caterpillars are normally green and often change color
to a bright orange. The eyespots are a defensive form of coloration
to frighten predators.
Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth Caterpillar
(09/03/2006) Another Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth?
Hi! I teach at a small private school in NE Arizona. One of
our students found this beautiful caterpillar yesterday on
a field trip close by. The spines are irritating (I found
that out the hard way - fortunately the pain subsided after
about 30 minutes). It is about 4 inches in length. Checking
out your site, i looks like it might be a Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth.
(I don't know if it was found on the oak twig or not, which
was being held by a student while I took the picture.) Anyway,
thanks for your site. It is great!
Trent Logan
Hi Trent,
Your identification of the Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth Caterpillar,
Automeris
cecrops, is correct. This species is found in higher altitutes
of Arizona and New Mexico, and south into Mexico. It does
feed on oak as well as ceonothus, mimosa and mountain mahogony.
Orange
Dog
(09/03/2006) ID, Please!
Hi!
Are you still identifying caterpillars? I found this strange
looking caterpillar on my lemon tree. We live in Southern
California, about 25 miles inland from San Diego. My daughter
thought it looked like a bird dropping! It's about 3 inches
long and sort of has a face. Thanks,
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
The caterpillar of the beautiful Giant Swallowtail is sometimes
called the Orange Dog. They do look like bird droppings.
Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
(09/02/2006) We're stumped!!!
Hello from British Columbia !!! We were out in our backyard
today and found this odd creature ...... we figure it is in
the caterpillar family but couldn't find out it's name ???
Could you help us out ??? Thanks
Stumped on Vancouver Island
Dear Stumped,
This is a Western Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar, Papilio rutulus.
They feed on the leaves of willows, aspens and other trees.
Gulf
Fritillary Caterpillar and Chrysalis
(08/31/2006) Trying to Identify Caterpillar found in my Ficus
Hedge
Found these critters all over my ficus hedge in South Florida.
The best description I can think of is that they look almost
like rubber bugs. The skin is a shiny orange/brown color and
the spiny things (sorry I do not know the technical term)
are like thick individual strands of stubbly shiny black hair.
They are pure entertainment for my 2 year old daughter. During
a recent Tropical Storm I decided to try and save the little
guys and bring them inside. To our delight we woke up the
next day to see several of them have begun the next stage
of their metamorphosis and have created bark-like cocoons
suspended upside down from a branch of ficus. Can you help
me identify what they are, and also is it best that I leave
the cocoons inside until they hatch or should I now return
them to the hedge. I do not want to disturb them any more
than I already have. Please let me know. Also, what plants
can I put in our garden to keep the butterflies around once
the hatch?
Jodie Espendez
Pembroke Pines, Florida
 
Hi Jodie,
This looks like the caterpillar and chrysalis of the Gulf
Fritillary, a pretty orange butterfly. The host plant is always
listed as passion flower with on alternate. We can only guess
that they were so hungry, the ficus seemed appealing, or,
more likely, there is some passion vine growing in your ficus
hedge. If you want Gulf Fritillaries, plant passiflora. In
our yard, the butterflies also take nectar from lantana and
cosmos.
Hickory Horned Devil: Early Instar
(08/30/2006) Are you still identifying bugs?
Hello,
I'm not sure if you're still identifying bugs or not, but
there is a spectacular looking caterpillar that arrived on
my balcony a few days ago, and I'd like to know more about
it. If it helps in the identification, I live just outside
Atlanta, Georgia. Normally my cat eats the bugs on the balcony
(mainly roaches...thanks, kitty), but both times kitty put
her paw to the back of this caterpillar, it reared up. For
some reason, that made kitty leave it alone. I wondered if
maybe the spines were irritating or her paw (because surely
she wasn't threatened by that). Also, I'm wondering whether
I should perhaps move the caterpillar back down to where the
leaves and plants are. I'm on the 3rd floor of an apartment
building, and there is no caterpillar food on my balcony.
Thanks for any information and advice you can offer,
Krista
Hi Krista,
This is an early instar of our featured Bug of the Month,
The Hickory Horned Devil. The caterpillars molt four times
before attaining their full size, the fifth instar right before
pupation. Earlier instars are brown, not green. We believe
this is the third instar as shown on BugGuide.
Hornworm
covered in Brachonid Pupa
(08/30/2006) What is this bug?
Hi,
My wife and I grow tomatoe plants every summer. Today we were
looking for the last few remaining crop when she spotted this.
We live in the Northeastern US (New York State, 45min north
of Manhatten). Do you know what this is? It looks like a caterpillar..
Thanks,
Scott Shapiro
Hi Scott,
This is one of two species of Sphinx Moth in the genus Manduca
that feed on tomato leaves and other related plants. They
are commonly called Tomato Hornworms or Tomato Bugs. It has
been parasitized by Brachonid Wasps and is covered with wasp
pupa. We have never seen a caterpillar parasitized to this
extent. Thanks for your image.
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