Subject: LARGE green caterpillar
Geographic location of the bug: Middle Georgia
Date: 08/28/2019
Time: 12:33 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: This guy (girl?) showed up on my patio cover (canvas). It’s about 3 inches long and probably an inch around. (BIG joker). Thought maybe Luna Moth. Some one said maybe Imperial Moth. I know Lunas are endangered and I want to do the right thing. Don’t plan on hurting it or anything just curious about what it is.
How you want your letter signed: Curious in GA
Dear Curious in GA,
This is an Imperial Moth Caterpillar. Many Giant Silkmoth Caterpillars from the family Saturniidae and Hornworms from the family Sphingidae pass unnoticed on vegetation while they are feeding. Fully grown caterpillars then hunt for a suitable place for pupation They leave the food plant and at that time they are frequently discovered by observant humans. When we receive images of pre-pupal Imperial Moth Caterpillars, they have frequently turned brown or orange as metamorphosis nears. Your green individual might still be feeding
Is the face yellow and if touched does it sting? Asking because I accidentally rubbed a caterpillar today and got “stung” – trying to find it.
Imperial Moth Caterpillars do not sting.