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Parsleyworm: Black Swallowtail Caterpillar, early
instar
(05/12/2007) Photo for the Orange, white and black caterpillar
- can't identify
Hello Bugman!
We hope you can help us out. A photo of our unknown caterpillar
is attached. We found it on May 9th in the garden eating a
parsely plant. We live in South East Florida (near Fort Lauderdale).
The caterpillary is fairly small, about 1/2 an inch in size.
It has black and white stripes around it, with orange dots
at the base of black horns or bristles on each segment. We
found one photo of something similar on the Internet, but
it was not identified. Can you help?
The Castro Family
Florida
Dear Castro Family,
Caterpillars shed their skins going through stages known as
instars. This is an earlier instar of a Black Swallowtail
Caterpillar, Papilio polyxenes. According to BugGuide,
the caterpillar changes dramatically with each molt. They
are sometimes called Carrotworms or Parsleyworms since they
feed on the leaves of carrots as well as parsley and other
plants in that family.
Gaudy
Sphinx Caterpillar
(05/08/2007) BIG caterpillar
Hi!
Would you please identify this BIG caterpillar for me and
tell me what kind of Moth it will become? I live in Sarasota,
FL, and I found it on a morning walk with my dog about a month
ago. I thought it was the severed head of a snake when I first
saw it. The little dot in the teardrop shaped circle on the
caterpillars back end had an odd pulse to it. The dot was
shiny, where the rest of the caterpillar looked like feathers.
The thing was quite strong and heavy, as caterpillars go.
The caterpillar was about 4 inches long and about 3/4 inch
in diameter, and well camoflaged. I took it to my grandkids
to see the oddity and they released it in a wooded area after
a good look. I thought they may never see such a thing again.
It was my first time to see such a BIG caterpillar, too. Thank
you for your help!
Jane H.
Sarasota, FL
Hi Jane,
This is a Gaudy Sphinx Caterpillar, Eumorpha labruscae. The
dot you mention is the remains of the caudal horn found on
most caterpillars of Sphinx Moths. In the Gaudy Sphinx, the
horn is shed and a callous remains. The caterpillar is an
excellent snake mimic which helps to prevent it from being
eaten by birds. The moth is a beautiful green color with blue
and red on the underwings.
Eastern
Tent Caterpillar
(05/07/2007)
We saw lots and lots of nests of these worms in the nooks
of small trees at Bear Mountain NY. We didn't notice them
until the peaks which are around 1000 ft in altitude. They
may have been at lower altitudes but we didn't notice them
there as much. Any idea what this insect is? We assumed it
spins the nest so it's maybe related to silk worms?
Ted
Hi Ted,
This is the tent of the Eastern
Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum. The female lays
eggs on tree branches in the fall and the egg overwinter,
hatching in the spring. The caterpillars are social and spin
the tent for protection.
Underwing Caterpillar
(05/07/2007) what is this caterpiller?
Is this a geometridae? If not, any ideas as to what it is?
Ideas appreciated.
Mary Kay Stewart
San Antonio, Texas
Hi there Mary Kay,
This looks to us like an Underwing
Moth Caterpillar in the genus Catocala.
Two Caterpillars from Texas: Rothschildia forbesi
and Xylophanes pluto
(05/06/2007) Help?
Great website- I was wondering if you could help me id these
to caterpillars. The first (with yellow spiky balls) was found
on a orange tree in South Texas. The other is from an unknown
plant, again in South Texas. Thanks,
Lee
 |
 |
| Rothschildia
forbesi |
Xylophanes
pluto |
Hi there Lee,
We are very excited to have identified both of your South
Texas caterpillars. The one found on the orange tree is in
the genus Rothschildia. Rothschildia forbesi is found in Texas,
but Bugguide
lists the caterpillar host plants as "several trees/shrubs,
such as Ash, Fraxinus, prickly ash, Zanthoxylum, and willow,
Salix." The site goes on with the information that "Two other
species in this genus rarely enter into SE Texas: Jorulla
silkmoth (R. jorulla) and Orizaba silkmoth (R. orizaba)."
We cannot find a photo of either species caterpillar, nor
indication of its food plant. The other caterpillar is a Sphinx
Moth, Xylophanes pluto. We located information and images
on Bill
Oehlke's excellent website. There are three known color
morphs for the caterpillar, and your example is the green
morph.
American
Lady Caterpillar
(05/04/2007) South Texas Caterpillars
Hi! Since you were so helpful the last time i found a great
bug, here's another for you: I found two of these little guys
in my back yard under an oak tree. They were on plants close
to the ground in close proximity to eachother. I put them
in a "tank" i had for a betta fish with the plants
they were on plus a few more to chow on. The plants were kept
alive by pulling up the roots (easy to do in sandy soil) and
placing them into a bulb vase with water. A wire/mesh screen
was taped to the top of the "tank" to prevent escape.
I found them on Wednesday and by Friday afternoon they were
already starting to pupate. I am really excited to see what
they turn into. I am in Magnolia, Texas (a bit north of Houston).
Any chance you can tell me what kind of butterfly/moth to
expect? Thanks!
Mary
Hi there Mary,
This is an American Lady Butterfly Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis,
which we located on BugGuide.
The Lady Butterflies, including the Painted Lady, are Brush-Footed
Butterflies. The caterpillar feeds on Cudweeds and Everlastings.
White-Lined Sphinx Caterpillar
(05/04/2007) Caterpillar Identity
HI,
We live in San Antonio Texas & have 7 of these on one
plant . My 4 year old would like to rear it & would like
any info . Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
Originally we thought this was a Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar,
but on May 6 we found an identical caterpillar in our Mt.
Washington California garden that we know is a White-Lined
Sphinx, Hyles lineata. This is not a final instar caterpillar
and this species has at least three different color morphs.
Sphinx Moth Pupa
(04/26/2007) What is that?
I found this cocoon like thing in my backyard. I have no idea
what it is. The botton part wiggles when you touch it. Any
ideas. Thanks,
Gloria Rogish
Hi Gloria,
This is a Sphinx Moth Pupa. The "handle" is actually the tube
that houses the proboscus, or tubelike mouthparts.
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.
Orange Dog
(04/22/2007) Caterpiller??
Found this one on my grapefruit tree. There were actually
two of them and they were moving. Seems that the larger end
is the head. What is it? Thanks in advance,
Richard R. Gongora
Houston, TX
Hi Richard,
This is the caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail, commonly
known as an Orange Dog.
Giant Silk Moth Cocoon
(04/15/2007) A Pod?
Hi-
I found this while clearing brush in my backyard here in central
Wisconsin. I believe it to be an insect pod but not that of
a mantis. I've grown mantis from pods for the last five years
and this is nothing like those. I'm not sure if there is anything
in the casing. Can you help me identify it? Thanks for looking
and also for the cool website.
John Kelley
Hi John,
This is the cocoon of a Giant Silk Moth in the genus Hyalophora,
either the Cecropia Moth or the Columbia Silk Moth.
Imperial Moth Caterpillar
(04/08/2007) Help with a caterpillar...
Is it an Imperial Moth caterpillar? It's the most similar
identification I could do searching through What's that bug?
but I think that it's just similar. Maybe they "come"
in different colors, because my caterpillar is more red than
orange (as those I could find in WTB?). I found it in my backyard
2 days ago. I love nature, and it's the first time I see one
of these. If you can provide a name, I will look into it to
find something more about these caterpillars and the moth
/ butterfly it will become. Have more photos if you'd like,
of detailed parts of its body. Just let me know. Thanks in
advance!!! Great page, keep up the amazing work!
Esteban Ramallo
Hi Esteban,
You are absolutely correct. This is an Imperial Moth Caterpillar.
We have gotten photos of brown, orange and blue-green specimens,
as well as your lovely green example.
Swallowtailed Emperor Caterpillar from Australia
(Easter Sunday 2007) Polyura sempronius the swallowtailed
Emperor
Hi Bugman,
Been through all your caterpillar pages and thought you might
like this guy from Queensland, Australia. This is the Polyura
sempronius, the swallowtailed Emperor. Caterpillar is about
2 inches long and apparently this is the fully mature stage.
Hope you like it.
Trevor Jinks
Australia
Hi Trevor,
That is one amazing looking caterpillar. We did additional
research and located a website
that pictures the life cycle of this Brush Footed Butterfly.
The caterpillar food plants include species of Acacia known
at Wattles.
Orange Dog and Giant Swallowtail Chrysalis
(04/04/2007) orange dog images
Hi, I found your site while googling to indentify another
caterpillar. Great site! If you would like some orange dog
shots, here they are. We have a pet key lime tree and some
grapefruits that are for a client. I pick all the larvae off
the grapefruits and transfer them to the key lime, and my
four year old is an avid orange dog rescuer as well! I think
you forgot to mention that in addition to giving off the odor
when they produce the antennae(which smells kind of like really
strong orange oil to me), they look like a blob of bird poop.
Very truly yours,
Lynnae Dehoff in West Palm Beach, FL
 
Hi Lynnae,
Thanks ever so much for sending us your wonderful images of
the Orange Dog and the next stage in the metamorphosis of
the Giant Swallowtail, the Chrysalis.
Luna
Moth Cocoon
(04/01/2007) big pupa
Hi there?
Got any ideas about the identity of this pupa? I found it
on the ground outside of my house in mid coast Maine on March
31st. It's alive, that is, when I move it, it scratches around
inside and actually will roll across the table top like a
Mexican Jumping Bean. The husk is papery and there are tiny
pin holes all through it, like breathing holes. It feels quite
heavy and as you can see, is almost 2 inches long. That's
a big pupa for Maine where most stuff is pretty small in the
insect world. I've been a gardener for 25 years and have never
seen anything like it. I didn't find anything in my garden
insect references. Thanks in advance for your time,
Robin Robinson
Hi Robin,
If you don't want this Luna Moth Cocoon to hatch too early,
you need to keep it outside. If you have an old birdcage,
that would be perfect. You should check daily to see if it
has hatched. In Maine, we get most of our Luna Moth photos
in May. Right now, we are getting photos from the Southern
portion of the range, including Louisiana and Georgia. The
Luna Moth is our featured Bug of the Month for April.
Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(03/28/2007) White-Marked Tussock Moth?
Hello there. I found this fuzzy little critter hanging from
a tree (I think it was an oak, I didn't pay much attention).
I did a little searching around on the internet. I'm pretty
certain it's a Tussock Moth caterpillar. Possibly the White-Marked
variety. Perhaps you could confirm for me? Thanks,
Nathan Hillier
Hi Nathan,
This sure looks like a White Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar
to us, but several other species of Tussock Moth look very
similar.
Cabbage
Tree Emperor Moth from South Africa: Bunaea alcinoe
(03/26/2007)
Not sure if you can identify caterpillars from Africa but
the picture of one attached is 'bugging' us. We would love
to know what its called, and whether its poisonous? We came
across several in a garden near Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
It was about the size of an average index finger. 3-4 inches
long. thank you Regards
Fran and John Barnes (England - UK)
Hi Fran and John,
All we can say for certain is that this is a Saturnid Moth
Caterpillar, and it looks like one of the Royal
Moths, the group that contains the Hickory Horned Devil
in the U.S. Though formidable looking, these are not poisonous
caterpillars.
(03/28/2007) Royal Moth caterpillar from S.Africa
Hello Daniel and Lisa Anne, Apologies for having been silent
so long; I have quite a few images of edible insects to send
[in fact I recently supplied edible bugs to The Tonight Show!]
but am having trouble formatting them for appropriate sizes.
This dramatically-colored caterpillar from South Africa: it's
Bunaea alcinoe, as found in Kirby Wolfe's wonderful Saturnid
site. And yup, it's edible throughout several southern African
countries. Here's the pertinent web page: http://www.insectcompany.com/silkmoth/kwbalcinoe.htm
All the best,
Dave
www.slshrimp.com
Hi again Dave,
Thanks so much for the identification and link. Further research
on our part has revealed a common name, the Cabbage Tree Emperor
Moth.
Mourning Cloak Butterfly Caterpillar
(03/18/2007) These little guys...
Found these little guys climbing out of my Chinese elm tree,
here in Southern California. I watched for over an hour as
at least 15 climbed down, one by one. Can you tell me what
kind they are, and what they feed on? Thanks.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
This is a Mourning Cloak Butterfly Caterpillar. They were
feeding on the leaves of your Chinese Elm and they left the
tree to find a good place to pupate. Mourning Cloaks are lovely
purplish black butterflies with cream colored wing edges and
blue spots.
Wow! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my e-mail.
Our entire evening had been centered around these caterpillars.
My children and I carefully collected them as they came out
of the tree thinking we would watch then release them as butterflies.
Since I wasn't sure what they fed on and didn't want them
to starve, I placed them back at the base of the tree. I tried
looking online several times to identify, but had no luck.
I even woke in the middle of the night thinking of them....funny.
Anyway, it was SO NICE to find your e-mail with the answer,
and the kids (2 & 4) were amazed with the pictures and facts
I was able to then find on the internet. Thank you for helping
keep our interest "peaked". All that right in our own back
yard! So cool. Take care.
Unknown Saddleback Caterpillar
(03/17/2007) Whats this bug
Hi WTB,
I found this bug at our house in a tree. It stung my dad.
Can you please tell us what it is? Thanks
Nicholas and emma!!
Regards,
Mark Berryman
Hi Nicholas, Emma and Mark,
This is a Saddleback Caterpillar. Information can commonly
be found on websites that are devoted to stinging caterpillars.
The markings are quite different from Sibine stimulea, a common
species, but we believe it is the same genus. The newest information
indicates that the genus has been reclassified as Acharia.
In the event that this genus is incorrect, this is a Stinging
Slug Moth Caterpillar in the family Limacodidae. You did not
provide a location, so we don't know where this was found.
White
Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(03/16/2007) White Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar
LA & D,
So, having decided that your site is just an extraordinary
amount of fun, we've pulled out our digital bug photos from
over the course of this century. We were planning to inundate
you with requests, but then we discovered that we can almost
always ID what we were going to send, based on someone else's
submission over that same stretch of time. At first, we're
disappointed: "Damn it!" we say (or think), "someone's already
submitted this one!" Then there's a followup realization --
we learn a lot from scanning through the site, looking for
matches. We learn what we've got -- a six spotted green tiger
beetle here, a Calligrapha multipunctata there... and we also
learn to recognize incredible beasties we haven't yet come
across in the flesh, like Homesteader grasshoppers, Wheel
bugs and the barely believeable Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar.
So thanks for all your effort, and here's another rerun for
you; a White Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar, shot in September
of 2000 in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Jim & Sandy
Hi again Jim and Sandy,
Your photo is quite beautiful. Just a suggestion before you
innundate us with images: try to send them in at approximately
the same time of year that they were shot so that being posted
on the homepage will assist other readers more than unseasonal
postings. Your White Marked Tussock Moth image is quite nice.
Newly Hatched Imperial Moth Caterpillars
(03/16/2007) Really cute caterpillars
Hello Bugman!
Last Summer, in my yard, I found a large yellow and brown
moth. It was being bullied (stung) over and over by a yellowjacket.
I killed the bee and scooped up the moth and brought it onto
my back porch. I put "her" into my butterfly keeper
from pre-school and left her on my back porch with a mixture
of sugarwater for butterflies, lots of leaves, some dirt and
a shallow bit of water. Much to my surprise she began to lay
tiny little yellow eggs. She died soon after. I felt so sad
for her. Not knowing any better, I thought the little eggs
would stay eggs till the next season. Boy was I excited and
covered up in tiny little caterpillars one day! I put them
outside in hopes they would find whatever they needed. These
are the pictures I took of them. I could see each tiny life
inside each tiny egg! It was so beautiful! Thank you for such
a wonderful web site!
Rene' Jackson
Conyers, Ga
 
Hi Rene,
BugGuide
has an excellent example of the life cycle of the Imperial
Moth. We are happy to get your images of newly hatched Imperial
Moth Caterpillars. .
Polydamas
Swallowtail: Caterpillar and Butterfly
(03/10/2007) polydamas swallowtailswallow tail
Adult and caterpillar Port Orange, Florida
Heather
 
Hi Heather,
Thanks for sending in your photos of Battus polydamas.
Io Moth Caterpillar
(03/06/2007) Green Caterpillar
I found this little caterpillar on the sidewalk and picked
it up so that it wouldn't get squashed. Now its at my house
but it's not eating the plants I provided for her. What type
of caterpillar is it and what does it eat? Thank you for your
time,
Gabi
Hi Gabi,
This is an Io Moth Caterpillar. Be careful, since those spines
can sting. Io Moth Caterpillars feed on a variety of deciduous
trees including wild cherry. The Featured
Creatures website indicates: "The io moth has a long list
of host plants, with over 100 recorded plant genera in North
America, including such diverse plants as roses, cotton, hibiscus,
azaleas, willows, clover, and palms. In Florida, io moth larvae
are commonly found on oaks and other hardwoods. "
Sphinx
Caterpillar from United Arab Emirates: Hyles livornica
(03/03/2007) UAE caterpillar
I have lived in the United Arab Emirates for 12 years and
yesterday, I saw a caterpillar that I had never seen before.
There were several off them spaced out on in the desert's
sandy/gravelly plain about 45 kms south of Dubai. Recently,
we had heavy rains (unusual) and the desert turned into a
green carpet of plants. I think it's this abundance of foliage
that has prompted the appearance of these caterpillars. The
caterpillar has beautiful markings and was about 2" long.
I saw a photo of a similar caterpillar seen in the Ubehebe
Crater in Death Valley, California. Possibly the same family?
Best regards
David Lees
Hi David,
This is some species of Sphinx Moth Caterpillar in the family
Sphingidae. Furthermore, we believed it to be in the genus
Hyles, possibly Hyles euphorbiae, the Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth.
The caterpillar is quite variable in color, and information
can be found on Bill
Oehlke's great site. This species was introduced to the
U.S. in 1965 as a biological control agent of the Leafy Spurge,
a plant introduced from Europe. The original range of the
moth is "from south and central Europe to central Asia." We
continued our research which led us to Hyles livornica on
the Sphingidae
of the Eastern Palaearctic Website. It looks like a perfect
match.
Tetrio Sphinx Caterpillar
(03/01/2007) caterpillar?
Hello Bugman,
Found this caterpillar on a walk in the southern pacific Costa
Rica. Any idea of what butterfly/moth it turns into? Or maybe
it's just a many legged insect?
Dean Fujioka
Hi Dean,
This is a Tetrio Sphinx Caterpillar, Pseudosphinx tetrio.
There are numerous images online.
Ficus
Sphinx Caterpillar: Green Morph
(02/19/2007) Caterpillar Identification
Dear Sir,
Can you identify the caterpillar in the attached photo ? The
picture was taken in the Florida Everglades in the middle
of January.As you can see,it is quite large.I would be grateful
if you can help. Yours Sincerely,
steve Parrack.
Hi Steve,
This is a Ficus Sphinx Caterpillar. The caterpillar comes
in several different color morphs, and this is one.
Silver Spotted Skipper Caterpillar
(02/18/2007) Strange Caterpillar
Found this in the yard - Northern Alabama. Light green body,
dark purple head and weird orange eyes!! Cool looking, alien!
What is it? Thanks!
Mike
Hi Mike,
This very distinctive caterpillar belongs to a butterfly called
the Silver
Spotted Skipper, Epargyreus clarus.
Oleander
Hawk Moth Caterpillar drowned in Cyprus swimming pool
(02/17/2007) Dear Mr Bugman,
I live in Cyprus (south west area) yesterday whilst cleaning
the swimming pool, the attached was found dead in the bottom,
I have tried to find out information, unsuccessfully, so at
this point I am asking for your help in identifying the above,
also any possibly explanation as to how it would have ended
up where it did, there is no damage on it at all. I look forward
to receiving your answer on this matter. Thanks for your assistance.
Janet Hughes
Hi Janet,
This appears to be an Oleander
Hawk Moth Caterpillar, Deilephila nerii or Daphnis nerii.
If you have an oleander shrub nearby, the caterpillar probably
left the shrub to pupate. Pupation occurs occurs underground.
Many caterpillars change color just before pupation, which
would explain the pink color.
Citrus
Swallowtail Chrysalis and emerged adult
(02/16/2007)
Apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I discovered
it was the Citrus Swallowtail, my address is southern Queensland
in Australia and it hatched out yesterday, see the photos
i'm pleased to attach, i was so sure i'd miss the moment.
How do they fit into the case, it IS a miracle./
dawn
 
Hi again Dawn,
Thank you so much for the followup images of the metamorphosis
of the spectacular caterpillar you sent our way on January
19. Your photos are all wonderful.
Swallowtail
Butterfly Chrysalis
(02/16/2007) Pupa ID
Hello, Here in the wet Northwest, our family has been watching
what appears to be a pupa for four months. It is attached
to a small rosebush on our deck. Can anyone identify it? When
can we expect a metamorphosis?
Thanks,
Elliott,
Keizer OR
Hi Elliot,
The silken girdle that keeps this chrysalis upright immediately
identifies it as one of the Swallowtail Butterflies. Sorry,
we cannot identify the exact species.
Probably
Automeris species
(02/16/2007) caterpillar 3
I've sent you this photo a few times, and I was just wondering
if you've been able to find out what sort of caterpillar this
is and what the butterfly would have looked like had my cocoon
hatched. Some parasite got the better of him before he could
complete the cycle. Thank you
Jordan
Costa Rica
Hi Jordan,
This might be an Automeris species.
Ficus
Sphinx Caterpillar
(02/11/2007)
Hello -
This little (?) critter was found on our doorstep and I was
hoping you could give us some information on it. My grandson
is studying insects in school and this would be a great addition.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
Cz DiRosario
Hi Cz,
This is a Ficus Sphinx Caterpillar, Pachylia ficus. There
are several color variations for the caterpillar, and this
is the most striking. While it is admirable that you are assisting
your grandson on his project, we hope you will not give him
all the answers and allow him to participate in the research
process. This would of course depend upon the extent to which
he accesses the internet.
Saturnid Moth Pupa
(02/06/2007) large pupa Cicada?
This is a picture taken by Missouri Department Of Conservation,
we are having trouble IDing this guy. Is it a cicada pupa?
Or some type of beetle. Any information you can give will
be very helpful. Thank you
Shelly Cox
Savannah,MO
Hi Shelly,
This is the pupa of one of the large Saturnid Moths, often
called Giant Silk Moths. It can be distinguished from the
Sphinx Moth Pupa, also found underground, due to its robust
girth and lack of future mouthparts, the Proboscis. Most Saturnid
Moths build some type of cocoon, which eliminates many possible
species. We are surmising that perhaps this is a Regal Moth,
but your best course of action is to wait for the adult to
emerge.
Dagger Moth Caterpillar
(01/26/2007) The Bug Lady
Well, I just got lost in my new book, Caterpillars of Eastern
North America by Wagner. Wow, that is some awesome book, definitely
worth the money. But, unfortunately it didn't answer my question
about the caterpillar that I have been trying to ID. It closely
resembles the Hesitant Dagger Moth Caterpillar, Acronicta
haesitata on the website Caterpillars of Eastern Forests.
Since the different instars can look different, I was convinced
that was what it was until I read that there were several
different Dagger Moths with similar looking caterpillars.
So, unless you can tell me differently, then that is what
I'm going to say it is. By the way, you will notice that a
lot of the pictures I send you, the caterpillars are on wood.
At Lindenwood Nature Preserve, my favorite trail that goes
to the pond has 3 boardwalks. That is where I seem to find
all the caterpillars. I figure they either fell out of a tree
or climbed up from the vegetation under the boardwalk. At
any rate, I figure they know where they are going, so I just
leave them where I find them.
Judy Whitton, the Bug Lady
Hi again Judy,
We looked at all the Dagger Moth Caterpillars posted on BugGuide,
and we think this looks most like the Ovate
Dagger Moth, Acronicta ovata.
This is the picture I was going by, I think the spots most
look like this one.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/insects/cateast/acrohaes.htm
But like they said, some of the caterpillars are so hard to
distinguish apart, you would probably have to raise them to
find out what they really are. They don't allow collecting,
so that is not an option for me. LOL Anyways, thanks for looking
and hope you enjoy the other link I sent you.
Judy
Hi again Judy,
The new link you provided does look like a match, but the
text also mentions the Ovate Dagger Caterpillar looking similar.
Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar submitted by the Bug Lady
(01/23/2007) Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar
First of all I would like to say how much I enjoy your site.
I've been interested in entomology for about 40 years, much
to my Mom's dismay during those early years. LOL I do a lot
of nature photography and spend lots of time taking pictures
of insects and spiders. I have been trying to ID a caterpillar
that I have narrowed down to the Hesitant Dagger Moth. I used
the Caterpillars of Eastern Forests to get this ID, but they
also mentioned that there are several Dagger Moths that have
similar looking caterpillars. At any rate, I just ordered
Caterpillars of Eastern North America by Wagner. I've been
wanting a good book to ID caterpillars anyways. If I still
don't get a positive ID from that, I just may be sending you
a picture of this caterpillar. In looking through all the
caterpillars you have, I thought maybe I could send you a
photo from time to time of things you don't have pictures
of. The photo I'm sending you today is the Spiny Oak Slug
Caterpillar. Definitely one of the coolest caterpillars I've
found, and be careful if you find one of these they do have
stinging spines. Feel free to use this photo on your site.
I belong to several photography groups on the internet and
when someone posts a picture of an insect or spider, they
usually come to me to help them find out what it is. Some
of them even call me the bug lady. LOL Wonderful site you
have here, keep up the good work!
Judy Whitton aka the "bug lady"
Hi Judy,
Thank you so much for filling a hole in our archives with
your photo of the Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar, Euclea delphinii.
We are much obliged. We also eagerly await any other deficiencies
you choose to fill. Thanks again and have a wonderful day.
Though you did not provide us with a location, we are guessing
you are in Florida or some other southern state.
Hi Daniel, you are very welcome. I wish I could say I'm from
Florida or one of the other southern states, but I'm from
Northeast Indiana in Fort Wayne. We have a wonderful nature
preserve here in town called Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 110
acres, that I do most of my bug shooting at. That is where
I took that picture. I also go to a few state parks and nature
preserves close by. I've also been fortunate to find the Saddleback
Caterpillar and the Skiff Moth Caterpillar, but I noticed
you already had plenty of those. I'm keeping my eye open for
some of the other slug caterpillars that are in my area.
Judy Whitton, the Bug Lady
Unknown Swallowtail Caterpillar: probably Orchard
Swallowtail
(01/19/2007)
HI. Just found this on my lemonade tree, another has the red
"feelers" out of sight, or retracted, would love
to know what it is. Thank you,
dawn lewis
Hi Dawn,
We can say with near certainty that you did not photograph
this Swallowtail Caterpillar in the continental U.S. That
said, we have no idea what species it is or where you photographed
it, though that is information you could have easily supplied
to us. Swallowtails are large showy butterflies, often with
tails on the hind wings. Most of the caterpillars have a forked
scent gland near the head known as the osmeterium. It is normally
concealed, but when the caterpillar is disturbed, it emits
an odor from this scent gland. We only wish we knew what exotic
country you took the photo. It sure is a pretty specimen.
Update: (01/21/2007) swallowtail ID
Hey, guys!
I saw the gorgeous image you guys posted recently of a swallowtail
larva from an undisclosed country. It looked sort of like
an orange dog, Papilio cresphontes, only it had green
and a lot of spines, and a bright red osmeterium. I did some
googling, and I think it's the Orchard Swallowtail, Papilio
aegeus. They are found in Australia! Here's a couple of
links to sites I found. http://www.geocities.com/brisbane_butters/Orch_butt.htm
http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/bioinformatics/butter/images/aegelive6.htm
Bobby
Thanks for the update Bobby, We also noticed the resemblance
to the Orange Dog in the osmeterium, but we didn't have the
time to do further research without a country. Australia was
an obvious choice at this time of year. Thanks again.
Army
Worms in Ecuador
(01/19/2007) Group locomotion
Hi,
I saw this on the western andean slopes in Ecuador - fascinating!
But what is it?
Thanks,
Hugh
Hi Hugh,
Caterpillars that move in this manner are generally referred
to as Army Worms. They travel in a mass to the next source
of food.
Black Arches Caterpillar
(01/11/2007) unusual caterpillar
Hi from Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia,
Canada. I'm way out of my league on caterpillars and the local
experts are stumped as well. Sure hope you can point me in
the right direction. I just don't want to disappoint members
of the public who are interested in nature. Kind regards,
Berry Wijdeven
Species at Risk Recovery Coordinator
Ministry of Environment
unusual caterpillar
Hi Berry,
Here is the photo of the strange caterpillar which I found
on a lavatera plant at our place. We have never seen one like
it before, and it would be interesting to find out what kind
of moth or butterfly it turns into. I just left it alone,
and it disappeared---maybe we will spot an unusual butterfly
in the spring. Regards,
Marlene Specht
Hi Barry and Marlene,
Our only thought was this might be one of the Hooded Owlet
Moth Caterpillars in the genus Cucullia, so we checked BugGuide.
We followed a link to the genus Melanchra and found your caterpillar,
known as the Black Arches, Melanchra
assimilis. It is an Owlet Moth that feeds on a wide variety
of plants, but it does not list Lavatera. The caterpillar
is found in both green and brown forms, both with the bold
yellow stripes and black outlines depicted in the photo you
provided.
Hornworm Metamorphosis
(01/08/2007) hornworm almost-pupa
Hi Bugman,
For all the pics I've sent you, nothng had ever been good/interesting
enough (to you!) for inclusion. This time, we have something
you don't have yet. My 7yo and I were digging out our tomato
plants yesterday, when he saw this in the dirt. It is a hornworm
in the process of becoming a pupa, as far as I can tell. You
can actually see his horn there at the bottom of the pic.
His legs were still there too, and he squirmed a bit, but
is clearly shorter and more, uh, pupa-shaped than the big
fat guys we saw into December. His body markings were gone.
We gently reburied him--we're not planting tomatos there next
year--but I don't know if we did him in just by digging him
up. This is from Westchester, CA.
Audrey and Tony
Hi Audrey and Tony,
You have tapped into our guilt. First, we heartily apologize
for not ever posting your submissions. There are many possible
reasons. Sheer volume is high on the list. If letters have
no subject line, then we tend to just ignore them except on
very slow days. Often people send letters and forget to attach
images and we don't have time to request that they resend.
Who knows? At any rate, we are happy to get your latest sumbission.
Reburying the Hornworm probably did not interfere with the
metamorphosis. The next step is that the larval skin will
split and the pupa will wriggle out.
White
Lined Sphinx Caterpillars
(01/07/2007) Hello!
I love this site! I've already emailed the link to several
friends. Here are a couple of pics I took at my home. I think
I've narrowed these little critters down to a 'White Lined
Sphinx Caterpillar'. I understand that pillars go through
color changes through their development. Are both of these
the same species? Anyway, this little guy was crawling through
the mulch under some bushes in late April in south Texas.
Did I mention I love this site. I've got some more strange
bug pics to contribute later. Thanks,
Lance
 
Hi Lance,
These caterpillars are indeed both White Lined Sphinx Caterpillars.
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar with Osmetrium
(01/04/2007) Black Swallowtail Caterpiller - with "horns"
out
Thought you might like to add this shot. Taken in September
in the Dallas, Texas area, near some parsley plants.
Jeffrey L. Cox
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks for sending us your wonderful photograph of a Black
Swallowtail Caterpillar with its Osmetrium or scent gland
extended.
Sphinx
Moth Caterpillar
(01/02/2007) Hi, what type of caterpillar is this?
Hi, I live in Brooklyn, NY and found this around my front
lawn. It was quite hefty - probably 3-4 inches, with a beautiful
color. What is it? Thanks,
Mark
(GREAT website, by the way)
Hi Mark,
This is a Sphinx Moth Caterpillar, and we suspect it might
be a Great Ash Sphinx or Northern Ash Sphinx, Sphinx
chersis. There are several different color variations.
Was this really found in January?
Hi, thanks for your quick response. Sorry for misleading you.
The photo was probably taken in late spring or early summer,
judging by the pictures of full blooming hydrangeas in my
yard that I believe were taken at the same time, especially
since the leaves in the picture with the caterpillar were
from the hydrangea bush. I had it on my computer for a while,
I just stumbled on your website and didn't see it there -though
from the similar ones, I guessed it was some sort of Sphinx
moth. Anyway, thanks again!
Saddleback Caterpillar
(12/24/2006) unknown caterpillar
Please help me. I came across this little caterpillar in Cuernavaca,
Mexico this past September. it was on the hood of a car, as
you can see in the photo. Can you please tell me what kind
of bud it is? Thank you!
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
This is a Saddleback Caterpiller. It is a stinging species
that is found in much of the U.S. as well.
Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar
(12/15/2006) Puzzled
Dear WTB, we live in northern California, in the foothills
north of Sacramento (Penryn). On our walks to the local pond
we have been finding a lot of these caterpillars along the
trail. Can you help us learn what they are? Thank you,
Jack (6) and Macy (4).
Hi Jack and Macy,
This is a Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar. They feed on both
native and cultivated pipevine. If provoked, the caterpillar
has an interesting defense mechanism. A forked orange scent
gland called the osmetrium emerges, looking like a forked
horn. The caterpillar then emits a foul odor.
Orange-Barred Sulphur Caterpillar
(11/26/2006) Orangebar Sulphur - Phoebis Philea Larvae
Hello Bugman,
Didn't see this in your database as I was trying to identify
it. I found it on another site and I thought you might want
to add it to your site. I took this photo on a bush in my
yard today. Almost didn't see the caterpillars. I have a few
shots of these so let me know if this suffices. Thanks,
Chris Sizemore
Hi Chris,
Two weeks ago we received a letter from Donna in Florida with
images of two caterpillars she found on her Cassia, the flower
in your photo. We identified them as color variations of the
Cloudless Sulphur Caterpillar, but someone wrote in that one
was possilby the Orange-Barred Sulphur. It seems one color
variation of the Cloudless Sulphur Caterpillar resembles the
the caterpillar of the Orange Barred Sulphur. Thanks for sending
in your photo.
Cloudless Sulphur Caterpillars (or possibly Orange-Barred
Sulphur)
(11/15/2006) Caterpillars on Cassia
I found these two on my cassia last week. I think the one
with stripes running the length is a sulphur of some kind.
Any idea about the other one?
Donna Williams
DeLand, Florida
 
Hi Donna,
We are pretty certain both of your caterpillars are the same
species, the Cloudless Sulphur, Phoebis sennae, a beautiful,
swift flying, shrome yellow butterfly. BugGuide pictures two
color forms of the caterpillar, green
with longitudinal stripes, and yellow
with traverse stripes. The yellow form is reportedly more
common when the caterpillar feeds on flowers, but both of
your specimens seems to be feeding on the flowers.
Sulphurs (11/16/2006)
Hey Guys, The pic on the right could also be Orange barred
sulphur (Phoebis philea). I've seen then both feeding on species
of Cassia and Senna in Southern Florida. Sometimes they feed
on the same plant. We have them both here on the Gulf Coast
of Texas, as well. I took a few of each and raised them, and
when they're in the Yellow/flower eating from they look alot
alike. Just wanted to share. Eric Duran
Nature Discovery Center
Bellaire, TX
Orange Dog
(11/11/2006) caterpillar
Greetings, My cousin in Florida found this little guy in her
back yard. Any ideas? My son thinks it is a snake mimic of
some sort. Thanks,
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
We typically think of caterpillars with large false eyespots,
like the Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar, as snake mimics.
The Caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail, also known as the
Orange Dog, which you sent in, seems to many people (and we
include ourselves in that camp) to imitate bird droppings.
The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of citrus trees.
Luna Moth Caterpillar
(11/05/2006) Unidentified Caterpiller
Came across this larvae while out hunting yesterday evening.
To give you an idea of the length of the caterpillar, the
arrow broadhead next to the caterpiller is right at about
2 inches long. Figure the larvae is about 3 inches. Nearest
I can tell, its some sort of silkwork moth. I perused thru
your archives and found this exact caterpiller, submitted
on 9/9/04. However, the caterpillar could not be identified.
Hopefully, this is a little better photo for you to work with.
Its got me stumped, as I used to raise Polyphemus and Cecropias,
and this don't look like either! Thanks!
Cameron
Hi Cameron,
We believe this is a Luna Moth Caterpillar.
Tetrio Sphinx Caterpillar
(11/01/2006) Caterpillar: Pseudosphinx tetrio
Hi Daniel and Lisa Anne,
This Pseudosphinx tetrio is one more critter from Nevis, Leeward
Islands, West Indies, in May of 2006. They were only half-grown,
and they were eating the leaves of Yellow Allamanda (Allamanda
cathartica) bushes, up at 1,000 feet. I know you already have
several images of this species, but I couldn't resist trying
to get a good shot of one; they are so lovely. This picture
shows very well the difference between a caterpillar's true
legs and false legs. And by accident the shot includes a lovely,
slightly out-of-focus piece of caterpillar poop! (By the way,
I have found that if you put a piece of caterpillar poop into
a dish of water, the poop comes apart into rather pretty,
flat, flower-shaped layers of green cellulose, which look
like confetti!) These caterpillars eat Plumeria, Allamanda,
and other poisonous plants, so although they are not poisonous
for humans to handle, I am sure that to a bird looking for
a snack, these caterpillars are, at the very least, really,
really horrible-tasting... All good wishes to you both, and
thanks for a really great site,
Susan J. Hewitt
Hi again Susan,
Thank you so much for sending in your textbook quality image
and first hand account of the Tetrio Sphinx Caterpillar. Occasionally
we get a letter from southern Florida regarding this tropical
species.
Giant
Swallowtail Caterpillar
(11/01/2006) Orange Dog pic
Hi Bugman,
Wonderful caterpillar pages. You have helped me finally identify
my Orange Dog caterpillars! They love lemon trees in Texas.
They are our little rainforest buddies. This one picture October
2006 in the lemon tree. Thank you!
Jill in San Antonio TX
Hi Jill,
We are pleased to know you used our site to identify your
Orange Dog, the caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail.
Rustic
Sphinx Caterpillar
(10/28/2006) What am I?
This lovely critter was found on our bushes we were trimming
in Rowlett TX. What is it? Any idea? Thanks for your info.
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne,
We believe this is a Rustic
Sphinx Caterpillar, Manduca rustica.
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