Prominent Moth Caterpillar: Azalea Caterpillar

Can you identify this photo for me?
I live in Columbia, South Carolina and found this caterpillar on an azalea bush this morning. My sister says it devours all the leaves on azaleas. When I went back to find it later, it was nowhere to be seen. What is it, please? Thanks.
Lane Bowden

Hi Lane,
This is a Prominent Moth Caterpillar in the genus Datana. The posture is quite distinctive. According to BugGuide, the species is Datana major, the Azalea Caterpillar.

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