Subject: Big caterpillar
Geographic location of the bug: Central Oklahoma
Date: 10/06/2018
Time: 02:53 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Dear Bugman,
My friend and I were walking yesterday and came across this beauty. Could you please tell us what it is? Thanks for the help!
How you want your letter signed: Dana and Laurie
Dear Dana and Laurie,
This is a Giant Silkmoth Caterpillar in the family Saturniidae, and based on this BugGuide image, we are nearly certain it is a pre-pupal Luna Moth Caterpillar. This species often turns from green to orange as its time for pupation approaches.
Thank you so much for the information! My 2nd graders just submitted an entry to the Ugly Bug Contest so I’m really paying attention to bugs right now. I’ll share this experience with them so that they know that this is available to them. Really appreciate your time!
Dana Stair
Gifted Resources Coordinator
Jefferson Elementary