Ficus Sphinx
(12/22/2004) large caterpillar
One of our staff found this large caterpillar this morning climbing the wall of the university in Corpus Christi, TX.  It is about 5" long and 3/4" diameter.  Any ideas?
Thanks,
Woody



Hi Woody,
It has taken me hours of web searching to finally identify your Ficus Sphinx, Pachylia ficus, which I finally found on this site. According to Bill Oehlke: "The Fig sphinx, Pachylia ficus (Wing span: 4 3/4 - 5 1/2 inches (12 - 14 cm)) flies from Uruguay north through Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies to Florida, southern Texas, and southern Arizona. It occasionally strays as far north as Indiana and Pennsylvania." Additionally, there are several color morphs to the larvae, but one is exactly like your image. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Saddleback Heterocampa
(11/30/2004) What is this caterpillar?
I emailed earlier this month and not long after your site went down for a while so I don't know if it went through. We found the caterpillar wandering on the ground and although he resembles the Heterocampa that someone sent from MO, ours is quite a shocking shade of hot pink. We are in Hempstead, TX. in the middle of the Post Oak belt. The caterpillar has formed a chrysalis and we will wait and see if it transforms. But I would really like to know what we are looking for.
Thanks in advance,
Joy Sebastian-Hall



Hi Joy,
Yes, you have a caterpillar from the genus Heterocampa. Somewhere I remember reading that they change color just before pupating. There is much color variation in the green, brown and pink range. The moths are a grey color.

Black Swallowtail Crysalis
11/16/2004) mystery cocoons
Dear Bugman,
I think I had better tell this one backwards: While we were out of town last mid-September, our friends babysat our 2 cocoons for us here in Atlanta, Georgia, and to everyone's amazement, hatched an Ichneumon. They took a picture for us, which I'm afraid I don't have. However, we checked our bug book, as well as your fabulous site, and are quite sure that's what it was. Only one of the two cocoons hatched. We had thought (very wrongly) that the caterpillars were monarchs. They were striped, but later we realized that the stripe colors were slightly wrong. They were happily eating parsley (beginning where we found them at a plant nursery), which should have been our first clue that these weren't really monarch caterpillars. Well, they ate and ate until at last they both curled upside down one evening. The next morning, we had two very strange looking cocoons, as you can see in the pictures I've attached. They were not hanging down, but propped right-side up, and leaning back against a thread of silk, with it's ends attached to the twig like... struts? I think you can make it out in at least one picture (13cocoonsB.jpg). The cocoon that hatched has a hole in it. I am not up for cutting open the second one, but could perhaps be convinced if necessary. So, what in the heck were these things (before they were devoured by the Ichneumon)? I wasn't able to match the caterpillars to anything in my bug book, or on your site. It didn't occur to me to photograph them until it was too late. I hope the cocoon photos are enough of a clue! Thanks ... we love your site!
Penina
in Atlanta, GA



Hi Penina,
First, your cocoons are not cocoons, which is the word that describes the silken coating spun by most moth caterpillars to cover the pupa. Your butterfly pupa is also called a crysalis. The silken thread and the upward orientation is a dead giveaway that it is one of the genus Papilio, the Swallowtails. The food plant, parsley as well as the striped color would tend to identify the Black Swallowtail, Papilio asterius, as the most likely suspect.

Mysterious Brazilian Caterpillar
(11/12/2004) what's that bug
Hello! My name is José Antônio. I live in Brazil. I found this caterpillar (Megalopygidae) in a orange tree. Can you help me to identify the species? Thank you very much.



Hi José Antônio,
Sorry to have taken so long, but we have tried to contact other people to get you an identification. Sadly we are unable to help you. You probably know much more about your native species than we do since you have identified it as a Megalopygidae. Our members of that group are known as Puss Moths. The caterpillars often have poison spines and are called Asps locally, especially in Texas. Good luck with a positive identification. Please keep us informed as to what you find out. You can always raise the caterpillar since you know its food plant and then see what type of moth emerges. Have a great day.
Daniel

Gulf Fritallary Caterpillar
(11/06/2004) 4 bug pix, ID for spider?
Hi!
Sent some of these earlier, but got an error message so I'm trying again. First one is a caterpillar found on my passion flower vine, second one is a katydid in the basil. third is a spider (orb weaver?), the last is my favorite spider picture, great green and brown coloring.  Can you ID the last one? Thanks!  Love your site, found it when I was trying to ID a scary
bug which turned out to be a Jerusalem cricket.
Donna B.
San Diego



Hi Donna,
Your caterpillar is a Gulf Fritallary, Agraulis vanillae, which feeds on the passion flower. The adult butterfly is a pretty orange with silver spots. It is not a true fritallary.

Skiff Moth Caterpillar, maybe
(10/15/2004) found weird bug!
Hi there...
i wish i has a digital camera to take a pic, but i don't... hope my bitmap drawing helps a bit. this thing doesn't seem to have legs on its flat bottom....it's about 3/16" long....it looks like a piece of a twig or something....   but it seems to have an eye right in the middle of the 'head' and the yellowish thing on the front seems to be moving around like some kind of antennae.
any clues?
-DME



Hi DME,
One can never be sure with a drawing, but you have a rather abstract likeness to a Skiff Moth Caterpillar.

Pseudosphinx tetrio (Tetrio Sphinx Moth)
(10/09/2004) REF: Beautiful Unknown Caterpillar (10/05/2004) What's That Bug?
Hi Daniel!
I think the Aldermans' "Beautiful unknown caterpillar"  is a Pseudosphinx tetrio (Tetrio Sphinx Moth) we get them all the time in our garden feeding on our Plumeria trees (Frangipani) and sometimes on the ficus. They are really ravenous feeders. I am sending you a picture of a bunch of them collected by my kids (to save our trees), they love  to see them pupate  and later become moths , which they release back in the garden. More information can be found on this site http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/ptetrio.htm By the way, great site.
Erika Schwarz Wilson
Istana, Barbasquillo
Manta- Ecuador



Thank you so much for help in the identification Erika. Please keep sending us photos from Ecuador.

Beautiful Unknown Caterpillar (now identified thanks to Erika)
(10/05/2004) What's That Bug?
Hello!
I found this caterpillar in our yard today and was wondering if you could help us identify the type. I've looked all over the web and found many that look close - but not with the strips. We live in South Florida (The Florida Keys) and don't see many caterpillars. Thanks in advance!
The Alderman's
P.S. Thanks for all the great information on your site!



Hi there Aldermans,
I have also tried unsucessfully to identify your beautiful caterpillar. Because you live in a tropical area there are many species that are not listed in books and on identification websites. We will continue to search.

Cocoon of the "Asp"
(10/04/2004) fiber glass like cocoon
bugman, after holding the cocoon of this caterpillar, my daughter ended up having its' hair stuck into her hand and fingers like fiber glass.  nothing would remove it since it's so small. not to mention the red dots and itching from the allergic reaction where the hair imbedded.  thanks for your help.
jason



Hi Jason,
I believe your daughter encountered the cocoon of the Puss Moth Caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, one of the Flannel Moths. The caterpillar which is commonly called an "asp" has stinging hairs that result in the symptoms you describe. It might also be a type of Wooly Bear.

Laurel Sphinx and Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
(10/02/2004) What kinds of caterpillars are these?
Hi,
We found the caterpillar in the first picture in Belfountain, Ontario, and the caterpillar in the second one at Go Home Lake near Georgian Bay, Ontario. We've never seen them before! Also, can you direct us to pictures of what they will look like when they turn into moths? Any help to ID them would be appreciated. Thanks!
Janice, Paul, Riley and Gillian



Hi Janice, Pauk, Riley and Gillian,
Your Belfountaine caterpillar is a Laurel Sphinx, Sphinx kalmiae, which is easily distinguished from other Sphinx or Hawkmoth caterpillars known as Hornworms because of its black and blue mottled horn. It feeds on laurels, ashes, lilacs, privets; also reported from poplars. Here is an image of the mounted adult moth and here is a photo of a living specimen.



Your second caterpillar from Go Home Lake is a Giant Silkworm known as a Cecropia Moth, Samia cecropia or Hyalophora cecropia. This is a large beautiful moth. Here is a wonderful site that covers the entire metamorphosis of the Cecropia Moth.

White Lined Sphinx Caterpillar -- Green Form
(10/02/2004) Huge Catapillar
my husband took the picture of the catapillar which he said was as long as a small cucumber we live in montebello, california.  What kind is it??? does it produce a huge moth or butterfly???
Sincerely,
Darcy Jimenez



Hi Darcy,
Your caterpillar is the green phase of the White-Lined Sphinx or Striped Morning Sphinx Moth, Hyles lineata. It is a large beautiful moth that is common in southern California. I see large numbers of moths attracted to the lights at USC when I teach night classes there. The caterpillar comes in both a green phase and a dark phase which are colored quite differently. Here is a site with nice images and information.

Army Worms
(10/02/2004) Worms?
Hi
I find these guys moving as a group with one or two white grub looking worms along with them. I see them at night or early morning on our sidewalk.  They were moving in a circle the other night (pict below).  I didn't know to look under worms, grubs, or caterpillars.  I live in southern Connecticut. Any help would be great.
Thanks
Chris



Hi Chris,
You have caterpillars known commonly as Army Worms. These are ravenous, very destructive moth larvae that live their early lives in groups, later dispersing as they grow. Here is a good site with addtional information.

Four Horned Sphinx
(09/10/2004) Caterpillar ID
Hi,
Found this guy on our walk.  He is about  4" long or so and husky.  Looks like a curled up green leaf.  Has double horns near his head and a spike at the tail.  He is very strong. Let him go in the garden.  Hope it wasn't a mistake. He went on his way.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Kathy



Hi Kathy,
It looks like you have a Four-horned Sphinx also known as the Elm Sphinx (Ceratomia amyntor). Your photo doesn't really show the horns as pronounced as in other photos we have seen. It eats leaves from elms and basswoods, and is also reported from birches and cherries.

Unidentified Black Hornworm (Bedstraw Hawk Moth) and Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(09/09/2004) black caterpillar with a red horn
We saw this caterpillar along side the road in British Columbia. I went through most of the sites that you've linked to on your page, but I think this guy's out of range for those sites.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Lea Ann
p.s., I also included a pretty clear picture of what I think is a Common Clear-Wing Moth... (Taken in Mayo, Yukon)



Hi Lea Ann,
WE have been trying unsuccessfully to properly identify your unknown black sphinx caterpillar with the red horn. We will continue to try. Your Hummingbird Clearwing Moth is a welcome addition to our site as well.

(01/01/2005) Ed. Note: We have just identified the black sphinx caterpillar thanks to this site run by Bill Oehlke. It is Hyles gallii, the Bedstraw Hawk Moth or Gallium Sphinx (wingspan approx. 75 mm). Hyles gallii ranges coast to coast in Canada and southward along the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. It is also widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia.

Unidentified Wooly Bear species
(09/09/2004) Do you have an id for this one?
Hi,
Checked through your website with great interest, but didn't find my caterpillar there.  This guy lived on a yellow blossom lupin branch this last Spring in Bodega Head (northern California above San Francisco).  I've been unable to identify the pretty thing.  Got any ideas?  Sure would appreciate your help. 
Thanks, Alice Steele (San Francisco)



Hi Alice,
The best we can do is tell you it is a Wooly Bear caterpillar, the larva of a Tiger Moth. Sorry it is so general.

Unidentified Giant Silkworm
(09/09/2004) Unidentified Caterpillar
Hi!
I need help identifying this really neat caterpillar I found here in SW Michigan.  It is about 2 1/2 inches long and seems somewhat similair to some larvea of the Antheraea family.  I would like to try and raise it and was wondering if it needs to eat now and if so, what should I feed it?
Thanks,
Joanna



Sorry Joanna,
The best we can do is agree it is one of the Giant Silkworm Moth caterpillars, Saturniidae. It somewhat resembles a cecropia moth and it somewhat resembles a cynthia moth, but it doesn't look exactly like either. We will keep trying to positively identify it.

Pale Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(09/08/2004)
Can you tell me if this caterpillar is a type of tussock moth?  I've
looked at several caterpillars and can't decide what it is exactly.  
Ran across it in the woods near where we live that is primarly pine and
oak in Virginia.  Saw one dangling and another was beginning to roll
itself up into a leaf.  Hope you can help. This is a great website.   
Marge Leitner



Hi Marge,
The Pale Tussock Moth or Banded Tussock Moth, Halysidota tessellaris, according to the Caterpillars of the Eastern Forest website, is: "Gray, dirty tan to yellow-brown with long paired white and black lashes on second and third thoracic segments. Food: oaks, willows, poplars, hickories, and many other forest and shade trees. Caterpillar: July to October"

Polyphemus Caterpillar
(09/07/2004)
Is this a picture of a Tomato bug?  (The one on the right) We found it in the yard and have not checked if anymore exist in the garden.
Thanks Tina



Your tomatoes are safe Tina,
You have a photo of a Polyphemus Moth caterpillar. Caterpillars eat the leaves of many different trees, including chestnut, elm, hickory, maple, poplar, sycamore, alder, basswood, and beech. Adults, named for the Cyclops because of their eyespots, do not eat.

Another Mystery Caterpillar
(09/07/2004) what's this caterpillar?
Hi, I found this guy eating my petunias. I've never seen one quite like it so I refrained from smooshing it. I'm happy to share my plants if it is something cool. What is it? I live in Southern Oregon. The caterpillar is approximately 1 inch long. It is a rosy red with a light pink or white stripe along both sides. Thank you,
Rebecca



Sorry Rebecca,
We don't know what your caterpillar is. We suspect it is a butterfly and not a moth. It is a beautiful color, almost camoflauged on the petunias. You can raise it and see what emerges.

Prominent Caterpillar
(09/06/2004) caterpillar ID
Hi, we need a little help identifying this caterpillar. We found it moseying across our driveway this afternoon (we live in mid-Missouri). My daughter wants to keep it to see it transform, but I told her we can't unless we can find out what it is and what it needs to eat! thanks for any help,
Ramona



Hi Ramona,
You have one of the Prominent Caterpillars, probably from the genus Heterocampa. They have a distinct saddle pattern on the back which your photo illustrates nicely. There is some variability in coloration. I would recommend looking at the site Caterpillars of the Eastern Forests. If I were to try an exact identification, I would say the Oblique Heterocampa (Heterocampa obliqua) . The caterpillar feeds on oak.

Unknown Wooly Bear or Tussock Caterpillar
(09/06/2004) Can you id this guy?
Dear Bugman,
Found this critter near the bank of the Potomac River in Brunswick, Maryland on August 5th.  He was about an inch and a half to two inches long and he was moving pretty fast.  Thanks.
Regards, Harvey



Hi Harvey,
At first we thought you had a Tiger Moth, or a Tussock Moth caterpillar, but now we believe this is an American Dagger Moth, Acronicta americana, one of the Noctuids or Owlet Moths. It feeds on Maple and other hardwood forest tree leaves.

The Devil's are Arriving!!!
Hickory Horned Devil
(09/05/2004) Name that Bug
Hi!  I found your site while web searching for the identity of this little critter.  He's easily 5 inches long and we found him in the back yard in eastern PA near NewHope getting ready for a family picnic. I'll send you a second picture of the full bug.



We have been waiting for the photos of the Hickory Horned Devils, caterpillars of the Royal Walnut Moth, Citheronia regalis, to arrive. This is America's largest caterpillar, and although fierce looking, it is harmless. It feeds on the leaves of trees like Walnut, Hickory and Persimmon. In the fall, the caterpillar leaves the tops of the trees and climbs to the ground where it will dig and pupate, emerging as an adult moth in the spring. We hope you are releasing your captive.

Io Moth Caterpillar
(09/05/2004) What kind is it?
Just wanted to know what kind of caterpillar this is.  I live in Harford Co., Maryland.  My husband found it on a green Japanese maple tree.  It had already eaten a few limbs.  Not sure if its a moth or butterfly.  Thanks, 
Debbie



Hi Debbie,
The spines of the Io Moth, Automeris io, caterpillar are mildly poisonous. It is easily recognized because of the red and white stripes. The adult moths have eyespots on their underwings. They are small Silkworm moths, the male with yellow upper wings and female with brownish upper wings. They are sometimes found on corn and other garden crops.

Big Poplar Sphinx Caterpillar
(09/05/2004) green caterpillar
Bugman,
We found this caterpillar in the yard today and would like to know what type it is. We live in Lafayette, Colorado, near Boulder. We'd like to try to keep this guy in a terrarium for a while, any suggestions?
Thanks, the Heggestads.



Dear Heggestads,
I was unsure exactly what your caterpillar was, but I thought I would try searching what I was assuming was the host plant, the poplar tree. I concluded that you have a Big Poplar Sphinx Caterpillar, Pachysphinx modesta. Here is a site entitled Caterpillars of the Eastern Forests, with a pretty good photo. I would recommend keeping several inches of damp, not wet, soil in the bottom of the terrarium for the caterpillar to dig into when pupation time occurs.

Skiff Moth Caterpillar
(09/02/2004) ID help
I would like some help with the attached photo. My first thought is its some sort of egg case. I've done a lot of searching on the INTERNET and have asked a few knowledgeable friends with no luck. The photo was taken 08/25/2004 in the Charlotte North Carolina area.
Thanks,
Rod



Hi Rod,
You don't have an egg case, but a caterpillar. It is a Skiff Moth, Prolimacodes badia, one of the Slug Caterpillars. There are several color variations of the caterpillar, but this site has a photo that closely resembles yours. The caterpillars which can be found from July through October feed on cherries, oaks, and many other woody plants.

Orange Striped Oakworms
(09/01/2001) Caterpillars Second submission, once again from Hickory, NC.  These caterpillars were all over town a week ago, but now they seem to either died or cocooned.  Please identify and provide some background. Thanks!
Gene Annas



Hi Gene,
The website Caterpillars of Eastern Forests has a photo which identifies your caterpillar as an Orange-striped Oakworm (Anisota senatoria). The site says it is: "Charcoal black with orange-yellow stripes that fade appreciably in prepupal individuals. Head black. Second thoracic segment with long, black spinulose horns. Abdominal spines relatively small. Gregarious in early instars, then solitary. Occasionally reaches outbreak densities. One related species occurs in southern Ontario, and another in Florida and Georgia. Food: oaks and chestnuts. Caterpillar: August to October; 1 generation." The adult moth is a pretty orange color.

Two Caterpillars
(08/12/2004) New pics
Hey Daniel,
I have a couple specials for you to add to your archives.  I seem to be getting better at my photos.  The unknown bug was
found in a drift fence array in West Texas, and none of the researchers could figure out what it was.  Can you?!
Wendy A.



Hi Wendy,
The Green Sphinx Caterpillar is probably a member of the genus Eumorpha, formerly Pholus. Notice how the head is retracted into the thoracic portion of the body as well as the absence of a caudal horn. We entertain the possibility that it most resembles Eumorpha pandorus in its green form, but the abdominal spots do not appear to be ringed in black in your photo. This is a caterpillar that comes in both a brown and green form. We love your photo of a Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar, Battus philenor. Most photos online show black caterpillars with red fleshy spines. We might be wrong, but we believe there is a red form as well. Your photos really are great.

Apple Sphinx Caterpillar
(08/10/2004) WTB,
Great site, I'm hooked!  I found this amazing creature in Dauphin Co. PA last week in a remote valley area. It was on a type of "bush" fern surrounded by mountain laurel and many other types of ferns in the forest.   I know it's a Sphinx but which one; Laurel, Wild Cherry, Blinded Sphinx? Speaking of blinded, I'm color blind and could use some help here...
Thanks,
chris updegrave



Hi Chris,
I believe you have the larva of the Apple Sphinx, Sphinx gordius. I looked up many websites to find an image that matched your photo, and finally located this site with an image of a parasitized caterpillar that looks like yours. At first I thought your Sphinx had no caudal horn, then I noticed it behind the leaves. It is very distinctive. Though called the Apple Sphinx, the food plants include are apple (Malus), sweetfern (Myrica), Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), blueberry and huckleberry (Vaccinium), white spruce (Picea glauca), American larch (Larix laricina), and alder (Alnus). As you can see, fern is on the list.

Saddleback Caterpillar
(08/08/2004) Hello Bugman,
My wife found this really awesome caterpillar a few days ago on her Gerber Daisies.  I have been looking all over the Internet trying to identify it, when I stumbled across you site.  It looks like someone has asked you about a particular "Saddleback Caterpillar", and that seems to fit the description of the picture I'm sending you now.  Is that what this is?  Thanks for your help!
Gray Benton
Iron Station, North Carolina



Hi Gray,
Yes, indeed, you have a Saddleback Caterpillar, Sibine stimulea. Beware those poisonous spines. They can cause quite a bit or irritation. Holland writes: "Nettles are not to be compared in stinging power to the armament of this beautifully colored larva." Thanks for the photo and I'm so glad our site was helpful.

Milkweed Moth Caterpillar
(08/08/2004) Can You Identify This Caterpillar?
Hi Bugman!
We have a butterfly garden, and I was just surprised to discover about 20 of these hairy orange, black and white caterpillars feeding on some plants out there.  They're small as caterpillars go -- about 3/4".  I tried to find some like these on the internet, and I couldn't, but in the course of trying I did find my way to your great website.  Naturally, I'm curious to what these are (and I don't plan to hurt or move them).  Can you assist us in identifying them?
Thanks!
Cathy Whitt
Washington, DC



Of course we can Cathy,
You have Milkweed Moth Caterpillars, Euchaetias egle. The caterpillar is distinctive and unforgettable. This is a common insect, ranging from the Atlantic to the Mississippi and beyond. The caterpillars feed on plants in the milkweed family. The adult moth is creamy white-winged tiger moth with a yellow body. The body has black spots.

Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar
(08/08/2004)
My son found this near our home in Croydon Pa. What is it?



Your son found a Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus, caterpillar.

Abbot's Sphinx Caterpillar
(08/07/2004)
Hi, I was so glad to find your  site - My daughter and I are fascinated by the unusual (and usual) insects we find in SE Canada(Ottawa, Ont.Canada). This beautiful caterpillar was discovered on a Virginia Creeper vine (Gini). We have seen many caterpillars and we have fun watching the larva pupate and emerge as butterflies. No one, uncluding experts has been able to ID Gini, and we would love to know what she is(especially since she wandered off from her spot and is hanging somewhere, or dug into some plant.  It's been 2 weeks since her hiatus, and still nothing.
Thank you,
Sherleen and Faith Smithson
P.s. She's 4 inches long



Hi Sherleen and Faith,
Gini is one of two different color varieties of the Abbot's Sphinx Caterpillar, Sphecodina abbotti. According to Holland: "This beautiful hawkmoth is found throughout the Eastern States and southern Canada and ranges westward as far as Iowa and Kansas. The larva feeds on the Vitaceae and is not uncommon on Ampelopsis. The caterpillar is not provided with an anal horn, but has instead an eye-like tubercle, or boss, at the anal extremity. It has the habit when disturbed, of throwing its head violently from side to side, a movement found in other sphingid larvae, ..." Holland doesn't mention the two color varieties. We found that information on this site which states: " Two very different forms: form pictured here unmistakable; other form brown, streaked with white and black, and oblique lines that run through spiracles. Head with broad dark band to either side of triangle, edged outwardly with pale band. Caudal horn replaced by eyelike bump. Food: grape family. Caterpillar: May through September; presumably 2 generations in Deep South, 1 generation in North." By the way, your photo is much nicer than the one pictured on that site. Guessing by the size of your caterpillar, we can only guess that it has buried itself in the ground to pupate.

Thank you, Daniel, now I know she has to be in one of my plants!  There are wild grape vines growing with the Virginia Creeper. so I imagine Gini was traveling for the ground when I was clearing the patch. We are so pleased about your site, because we're always  coming across something unique.  I wish I could have sent in pictures of a pink(magenta), smooth-skinned caterpillar and a shell pink moth(1 1/2" wingspan).  Anyway, Faith and I will continue to watch your site. Thank you so much,
Sherleen Smithson
P.S.   My oldest son did the photo - he inadvertently killed a Dobson Fly because it terrified him - he didn't know what it was until we found a picture in a book.  I think he'll be a bit more merciful in the future.  He brought us a gorgeous Imperial Moth and took photos of it and the Sphinx(probably Tomato Hornworm) Moth we found. If you could use the pictures, we can send them.

Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
(08/07/2004) I found a weird bug today in my dads car
Hello Bugman,
My name is Jimmy, today I found this wierd type of caterpillar my dad thought it was a tomato bug. We didn't know. We researched your website but we couldn't find it at all. Can you please help me. I don't know if it was poisonous or not so i used a kleenex to pic it up and there was this slik like substance behind it when it walked. Can you tell me which is his head and which is his butt?
Thank You
Jimmy Brickner
Strongsville, Ohio



Hi Jimmy,
The reason you could not find your caterpillar on our website is because we only post photos that readers send in. You are the first person to send in a photo of a Cecropia Moth Caterpillar, Samia Cecropia. This is the largest North American Moth, and its wingspan reaches six inches across. It is a member of the Giant Silkworm family Saturnidae, and as adults, the moths do not feed. Your caterpillar looks nearly mature. They eat leaves from cherry , maple, willow and other trees. Try keeping the caterpillar in a well ventilated box with fresh leaves. I am guessing that since it was in your dad's car, it was looking for a place to pupate. The cocoon is usually spun on a branch. It will overwinter as a cocoon and emerge as a grown moth in the spring. Thank you for the photo. They are not poisonour. The head end has the orange tubercles. In your photo, it is on the left.

Himalayan Dragon: two foreign mystery bugs
(08/05/2004)
What an excellent and fun website! I thought you might be able to help me with two mystery bugs that have proven baffling. The first is a caterpillar I saw in the mountains of central Nepal. It was at about 2000 meters, in cleared but overgrown land. The caterpillar was about 6 and a half cm long, and as you can see below, quite colorful. For lack of a better term, I've nicknamed it the 'Himalayan Dragon'. Any ideas what this dragon turned into later in life?
Thanks!
Robbie



Hi Robbie,
Thanks for the photos of the exotica. They are a mystery to us as well. I can tell you with some degree of assurance, that the caterpillar will probably metamorphose into a moth and not a butterfly. It looks like it is some species of Tiger Moth or Tussock Moth, but we cannot be sure. We are content with the name Himalayan Dragon.

Pandora Sphinx Caterpillar
(08/01/2004)
weird looking bug in Texas... please help!Hi!  Please help us!  My husband found this weird looking bug on our pine tree in Houston, TX .  Two pictures are attached.  It is probably 4-5 inches.  Thank you!
Jeanette



Hi Jeanette,
You have a Sphinx Moth caterpillar, probably from the genus Pholus, probably Pholus satellitia, the Satellite Sphinx, or according to this site, Eumorpha satellitia satellitia. A variety, Pholus satellitia pandorus, is called the Pandora Sphinx. Some taxonomists call this moth Eumorpha pandorus. The caterpillar comes in several color variations, including green and reddish-brown. The food plant is the leaves of the grapevine. It appears to be on a vine climbing on your pine tree. Could that vine be grape?

Correction: Polydamus Swallowtail Caterpillar, NOT Red Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar
(07/30/2004) Red Horned Caterpillar?
Hi Bugman,
Any ideas what this pretty looking caterpillar might be? I spotted him in south central Texas, and haven't had any luck identifying him.  I sent it to you a while ago but it probably got lost in the mix. 
Thanks bugman!  Love your site!
Emily Heimerman
San Antonio, Texas

Original Letter:
South Texas Caterpillar Hi Bugman, I was visiting a friend in Pleasanton, Texas and found this caterpillar in her yard.  I've searched the internet to find out who he is, but haven't had any luck.  Can you help me out?  Thanks! Emily



Sorry for the delay Emily,
We do not have an exact identification on your caterpillar. We suspect it is immature and often caterpillar photos are of the final instar before pupation. It is very common for caterpillars to change colors and markings between molts. We did some additional research. We thought your caterpillar looked like a Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor formerly Papilio philenor, but that caterpillar is black with red fleshy portuberances. The shape was correct, but the coloring was wrong. Then we found a site with a photo that showed a red variation. We suspect that is your caterpillar.

Two Black Swallowtail Caterpillars
(07/07/2004)
Well way cool. :) I've been to the site you mention, an excellent resource. I note you had a request for a better picture of swallowtail caterpillars. I'll attach one of my better ones, taken recently. These two are feeding on volunteer fennel in our garden. I'm not positive, but these are likely Black Swallowtail caterpillars. THanks again for the IDs. Wonderful site. Bookmarked. I'll be back often. I'll send a separate note with a photo of a click beetle for your collection.
Jim



I'm glad we could be helpful Jim. I don't know if you have Anise Swallowtails, Papilio zelicaon, in your area. The caterpillars of Black Swallowtails and Anise Swallowtails look very similar. Thanks for the photo. It is pretty great.

Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
(07/07/2004)
I found this on my deck.  Can you tell me what it is?  I have attached a couple of pictures.



It is the caterpillar of a Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus. This is a large, graceful yellow and black striped butterfly. The caterpillar is fond of wild cherry and other trees. Those false eyes are meant to scare hungry birds into thinking the benign caterpillar is a ferocious snake.

(07/07/2004) Help - they are eating my herbs!
Hello Mr. Bugman;
I have thoroughly enjoyed your website; it is entertaining as well as educational. I’ve discovered it this summer and can’t wait to tell our biology teacher at school about this great site. I’m sure to be looking over the identification for this caterpillar, so would appreciate your help.   These beautiful, however destructive, critters are munching away at my basil and dill.   This is my first year with a small herb garden; I had no idea that I would have such hungry visitors!   Would you please identify them for me. Thank you very much (sorry the picture is a little fuzzy),
Sharon
Oneonta , Alabama
( North Alabama )



Hi Sharon,
Thank you for the compliment. You have Black Swallowtail Caterpillars, Papilio asterius. They are called Carrot Worms by some people. They grow into a pretty black butterfly with yellow spots. The caterpillars have the ability to emit two orange horns and a foul odor when provoked. Send us a sharper photo if you can.

Unidentified Early Instar
(07/05/2004) I Give Up!
I've tried to identify this caterpillar but haven't had any luck.  I found it crawling on a recliner in the house!  I have no idea how it got there.  It's about an inch long and curls up when disturbed.  The coloration reminds me of tree bark and the "horns" seem to resemble cedar leaves. 
Karen



Hi Karen,
Your caterpillar is an early instar that we don't recognize. Sometimes caterpillars change appearance drastically from hatching to fully grown. They change color as well as shape. Our best guess is a Giant Saturnid moth of some type or even a Hickory Horned Devil possibly. We have never seen images of the early instars of most caterpillars.

Update: (06/30/2007)
instar identified    I have been waiting for a bit to tell you just how helpful this site has become. At last I may have something to contribute. On your first caterpillar page from July 5 2004 you are stumped by an early instar suggesting it might be a hickory horned devil. I had come here a week or so ago to look for the three lil guys I had dining on my curly willow starts. And there they were. So I have watched them closely as they passed the days. They grew into Viceroy caterpillars. I didn't have time to check them Wed. so I was dismayed when two were gone. But not to worry. The lil darlings had found a spot on my gate to spend their down time. Their sibling has also assumed what I now know to be the early form of his chrysalis. I am 54 years old and giddy as a 6 yr old at a birthday party. I have never seen this process before in my yard. I feel quite blessed to be observing it now. Additional Images | Butterflies and Moths of North America This is a link to the site I found the lil guys on. I hope now ..in my ramblings.. I have made a tiny down payment on the knowledge this project has shared with me. Thank You So Very Much..
debbe

Hi Debbe
Thanks so much for the correction. We know much more now than we did in 2004, and there are probably many more errors and non-identifications on our early pages, but without diligent readers like you, we just don't have the time to correct them all. Thanks again.

Eyed Tiger Moth Caterpillar
(07/04/2004) black bristly caterpillar
Photo attached. This was found in Austin, Texas, walking near the handle of our patio door. He is predominantly black, bristly, with a brownish red head and three orange/red bands around the back end. Since he is lifting his front end, there may be more red bands, hard to tell. In terms of scale, this fellow is +/- 1.5 inches long. The hole in the picture is ~1/8th inch in diameter. THe nearby environment is a large flower garden filled with butterfly and hummingbird attracting plants (designed that way). Common medium-large butterflies in the garden recently include:
* various swallowtails (giant, pipevine, tiger)
* gulf fritillary
* hackberry spp.
* red admirals (not all that often)
* hummingbird clearwing moth
I'm familiar with these caterpillars, and this ain't one of 'em. We also have commas/question marks. Is this one of them? We have many smaller butterflies (e.g. texas crescent, common hairstreak, fiery skipper) but I figure this guy isn't a candidate for them, since he's good sized. Hard to find a good site of caterpillar pictures.
THanks,
Jim



Hi Jim,
The caterpillar of Ecpantheria deflorata, the Eyed Tiger Moth, "is a deep black, clothed with black hairs, and at the junction of the somites, or segments of the body, it is banded with rings of crimson" according to Holland. Sounds like your caterpillar. The moth is found in your area and the caterpillar, one of the wooley bears, feeds on plantain, pr Plantago. We have a photo of the adult moth on our homepage right now. Here is a nice caterpillar identification site.

Red Inchworm??
(07/02/2004)
I found this inchworm on my clematis flower. It is red in color. I can't seem to find a "red" inchworm on the internet. Someone told me it is an inchworm because it has legs in the front and legs in the back, not in the middle, and it moves by moving its center up ... like an inchworm. But is red or maybe dark pink in color. I have a picture but it is blurry. The first pic is on the flower. The second pic I took it off and put it on a napkin. It is very tiny so hard to take a pic with my camera.
Thanks,
Claire

Hi Claire,
Inchworms are the caterpillars of Geometrid Moths. Sorry, I don't know of a pink or red caterpillar, but there is often little information on caterpillars. I will continue to check and possibly get back to you.

(06/18/2004) Early Instar, Anise Swallowtail Caterpillar
The wild anise was growing nicely in the canyon, and we have noticed the adult Anise Swallowtails flying about, so we decided to look to see if we could find any caterpillars. We found three on one plant, barely 1/4 inch long, and assume they are Papilio zelicaon. We have never seen specimens this small and are unable to locate any photos to see if we are correct. We will keep an eye on them and hopefully document their growth.

(04/08/2004) Valley Carpenter Bee and White Lined Sphinx Hornworm
Thanks for your article identifying the "fuzzy blonde bees" that have been patrolling our hillside for the last week. I'm so glad my Yahoo search came up with your page. It was very hard to find any info on anything but black carpenter bees, even in our 3 or 4 insect field guides only one mentioned that carpenter bees could be coloured differently.
We have a current troop of about 5 "blonde boys" and as of yet, no sign of their black female counterparts.
I've attached a jpg of a larvae we have found here lately. Have never seen it before in 7 years... Now we've seen two, both striped with anal horns. One, in the creek, was much darker than this one, but on both the horn and the mouthparts are gold. We have very few domestic plants around our cabin in the National Forest, but tons of nightshade. Could these be hornworms of some type? They are quite lovely to behold, but a very odd find here.
Thanks,
V Novo



Dear V Novo,
The male Valley Carpenter Bees, Xylocopa varipuncta, are much shorter lived than the females. I have been seeing female bees this spring, visiting my Honey Suckle as well as the Wisteria.
Your caterpillar is a White Lined Sphinx or Striped Morning Sphinx, Hyles lineata, a beautiful moth with a three inch wingspan. I have been seeing adult moths on the USC campus, resting in the eaves of the outdoor hallways near the art building. They have an almost infinite list of food plants, but are very fond of fuschia.

(12/10/2003)caterpillar
This caterpillar was between one and two inches and found October 4th on Fort Bragg, NC  Any ideas?
Thanks!
Lynette

Dear Lynette,
It is difficult to be certain with caterpillars, but I'm guessing a Black-spotted Prominent (Dasylophia anguina) based on this amazing caterpillar website. Here is how they describe the caterpillar: "Splendidly rendered in shiny lavender, orange (or red), yellow, and black; both color and pattern variable. Head orange and unmarked. Middorsal and 2 or 3 subdorsal and supraspiracular stripes, these thin, broken, and black; subdorsal stripe orange, broad; spiracular stripe lemon, broad. Eighth abdominal segment with black dorsal button. Subventer with line of raised shiny black spots just above legs. Food: lead plant, locusts, and other legumes. Caterpillar: June to October; apparently 2 generations." The Moth as pictured in Holland's landmark Moth Book, is a nondescript Notodontid.

(11/15/2003) Mr. Bugman:
I have heard of a worm that has something brown on its back resembling a saddle and that it
stings and maybe even shoots hair out that sticks to you. I hear it is called a saddle-packer. Do you know anything about this or do you have a picture? Thank you very much.......
Kristy Dyer from
Tennessee

Hi Kristy,
The Saddleback Caterpillar, Sibine stimulea, does all that you describe. Here is a photo I downloaded. The stinging hairs are quite irritating.

(11/12/2003) Caterpillar
We are a class in Apopka, FL.  Can you tell us what type of caterpillar we have found?  We searched everywhere on the web and could not find out what this caterpillar is.  Then we found you!  It is a white color with brown tufts of hair and an orange stripe of hair on top.  Let us know what it is and what it eats because we found it on a pole and would like to return it to its habitat or get it the food it needs.  This year we have already found hornworms on our tomatoes and swallowtail butterfly larva, raised them and released them!  We love turning our pests into projects!  Please help with this project. Thanks,
Karen Armistead, Teacher/K-2 Looping
Clay Springs Elementary

Dear Karen,
I can't be positive on this identification, since I have never seen the caterpillar or a photo of it. I am basing this on its resemblance to the puss caterpillar and the possibility that it is a close relative of your specimen. The moth expert, Holland, does not describe the caterpillar in his book, and often there is little information to be had concerning caterpillar identification. However, Lutz describes the larva of the Crinkled Flannel Moth, Megalopyge (alternately, Lagoa) crispata, but amusingly says the family belongs in a "Question Box". He says, "The larva feeds on raspberry, blackberry, apple and other leaves. Like other larvae of this family, it is extra well provided with legs, having the usual three pairs on its thorax and seven pairs on its abdomen. It is an oval, very hairy affair; the hairs are brown and form a ridge along the larva's back, sloping off on each side. The tough oval cocoon is fastened to the side of a twig very securely indeed and here the creature hibernates. But what arouses one's interest is that when the moth emerges, about July, it does so by lifting a flat circular lid at one end of the cocoon. The adult is a soft, fluffy, yellowish moth, with a wing expanse of about 1.25 in. or a little more. the front wings have irregular brownish markings near the front margin and rows of fine, curly, hair-like scales. The body is thick and woolly." It should be noted that the relative, the Flannel Moth, Megalopyge opercularis, has a caterpillar called the Puss Caterpillar or "Asp" that has stinging hairs and you should observe caution in handling your caterpillar.

(10/26/2003) ASPS
I live in Texas and have always live with (not very well I might add!) what I have always thought were "ASP".  That must not be the "real name" because I can't find anything on them.  They sting like the dickens!  Could you please give me more info. on them.  They are about an inch long and furry.  They tend to hang out on Oak (I think) leaves.  THEY STING SOOOO BAD!!!!
Thank you,
Julie
Houston

Hi Again Julie,
I have finally identified your Asps. It is another name for the Puss Caterpillar. The Puss Caterpillar or "Asp" is the larval form of the Flannel Moth, Megalopyge opercularis. The caterpillars grow to about 1 inch long and are furry in appearance, being completely covered by thick tan to grayish-white hairs that taper toward the back end. Among the long body hairs are shorter spines that discharge venom upon contact. The head and legs are not visible from above. The night-active adults known as flannel moths are rarely encountered. Here is a photo from a great site.

We Stand Corrected
Sadly, we cannot contact Velma and confess.
(9/9/2003) Asps and Wasps, easily confused
I haven't had my question answered but have seen questions from Sept answered. Do I need a pic? If so, I don't have one. My question again is below.
(8/14/2003)
We have some bugs in our garage that I would like to know more about. We call them "asps" although I'm not sure this is the accurate name. Our garage is detached from our home not heated/cooled and dark most of the time. We noticed that sometimes they attach themselves to the siding on our house in something sort of like a cocoon. They are small, about 3/4 of an inch, look to be kinda "furry", gray to brown in color. If you get stung by one it hurts like hell. I was stung on the inside of my forearm and felt pain all the way to my armpit. A call to poison control said the sting affects your lymph nodes and that was the pain I was feeling in my armpit area. The burning is awful and it took me a good 4-6 weeks to get rid of the itch. We think our dog may have been stung by one on the nose and boy did she suffer. Her snout was so swollen her eyes were almost shut and she had a nasty area on her nose at the point of contact.
We'd also like to know if there is anything we can do to get rid of them.
Thanks,
V. Hernandez
San Antonio, TX

Dear Velma,
I doubt that you were stung by an asp, which is in actuality the deadly snake that Cleopatra used to commit suicide rather than to submit to Caesar. Wasps, however, are a different story and actually fit your description. Some species of solitary wasps make a mud nest in protected areas like under the eaves or inside of a garage. They sting, and sensitive people could posibly be affected as long as you state. We are not doctors, so we can't tell you much about your lymph nodes, and we have no extermination advice, that being a job for your local experts. Sorry for the delay in answering your letter. We truly have been swamped with letters. Thank you for your patience.

Unknown Hornworm
(10/17/2003) Dear Sir,
I noted several of my Egyptian Starflowers (Pentas lanceolata) were being devoured by what I thought were slugs. I put out a commercial slug bait and the next day found a number of these larvae. The largest were brownish (see attached pix) while the remainders were bright green. All had the tail horn and eye spots, even the (presumably) 1st instars, which were only about 3/8" long. My location is a northern suburb of Dallas, Texas, and the time of year is mid-October. I've been unable to identify these larvae; any ideas?
Mark

Dear Mark,
Your hornworm is a mystery to me, but I am continuing to research. I know of no Sphingidae, the Sphinx or Hawk Moths, that have eyespots, a characteristic normally found on Papilionidae, the Swallowtails. Because of the narrowness of the body immediately behind the head, I'm guessing it might be a member of the genus Pholus or a near relative. One species, Pholus satellitia form pandorus, is described by Holland in his famous Moth Book: "The caterpillar, when it emerges from the egg and for several successive molts is green in color and has at the anal extremity a very long caudal horn, which begins gradually to curl up, ... and after the third molt entirely disappears, being replaced by a lenticular shining eye-like prominence. In the latter stages of development the larvae frequently become dark brown, ... . the caterpillar of P. satellitia has the power of withdrawing the first two segments of its body into the third, when at rest, or when suddenly alarmed." Please keep me informed if you ever get a positive identification. Unfortunately, there is better documentation on adult moths than on the larvae.

Daniel,
Thanks very much for your efforts so far. I must apologize for misleading you on the shape of the larva around the head. I don't have a digital camera (yet) and these pix were made by "direct" scanning on the scanner. The lid pressed on the worm for the dorsal shot and so protruded the head. A more accurate representation of the head can be seen in the lateral view. Like you, I have so far been unsuccessful in identifying this species. It looks rather like the brown species of the Spicebush Swallowtail, but with a horn. Of the nine or 10 larvae I found, one of the earlier instars was a reddish color, whereas all other early instars were bright green. If I find out what it is, I'll certainly let you know.

Unknown horn worm identified
Daniel,
The unknown hornworm is Xylophanes tersa, a fairly common worm on Penta. This, courtesy of Dr. John Jackman at Texas A&M University. Here's a link:
Mark

(10/17/2003) Inch Worms
Good morning WTB. We are going crazy with "inch worms" (don't know any other name for them) Unable to find anything specific to get rid of them. Can you tell me anything about them, what to use to get rid of them?????
Many thanks.

Inchworms are caterpillars from a group of moths known as Geometrids.  the caterpillars lack the
number of protolegs that most caterpillars possess and their style of locomotion has been affected.  
They arch their bodies and then advance, hence the common name inchworm or measuring worm.  I
hand pick them from my plants.

(10/8/2003) Caterpillar
hello
My girlfriend found this on her car,
got any idea what this little guy might be?
eric

Dear Eric,
Thank you for sending in the Tussock Caterpillar of the Spotted Apatelodes Moth (Apatelodes torrefacta). Here is an image of the adult moth.

(10/3/2003) Messy Eaters!
I just discovered these caterpillars eating my Mandavilla plant. I thought that I had some kind of mite at first because the bottom half of the plant is covered with "caterpillar droppings"! They seem to be the Oleander Caterpillar, but I wasn't really sure. This seems to be the only plant that has them. I live in Central Florida, and I found a dead moth, that looked like a wasp, and I noticed in my search that they might be the culprits. Now I need to kill the caterpillars...any suggestions?

Dear Vicki,
I will answer you letter in stages. The Oleander caterpillar is the most significant insect pest of oleanders. The caterpillar is an immature (larval) phase of the Oleander Moth, Syntomeida epilais jucundissima. The adult female moth lays clusters of 25 to 75 orange eggs under leaves. Young larva will skeletonize the leaves, while the more mature, orange-colored caterpillar with black spots and hairs will eat the entire blade. By biting the veins, the caterpillar drains the toxic sap before consuming the leaf.When it reaches a mature size of about 2 inches long, the insect pupates. The silk-covered cocoon yields a purple-black winged moth that has several white dots on the wings. With a sixty-day life cycle, this pest can have three generations in a year. Scouting for the eggs and young caterpillars in March, July and December will enable control measures. The insect matures quickly in 60 days, and is capable of three generations a year. Here is a photo of the adult sent in recently by Lyn.

Control: A number of control measures are available for leaf eating caterpillars. The best control
measure is locating and removing eggs prior to hatching. If hatching caterpillars are found products suchas Orthene 75S, Malathion, and Sevin can be used. A natural bacteria called BT (Bacillus thuringiensis)can be used as well. BT is sold under the trade name Thuricide or Dipel. It is best when caterpillars are less than 1/4". If you have Dursban or Diazinon, they may also be used as a control. Read the productlabels for mixing instructions. Some formulations of chemicals are labeled for effective control of this pestwhile other formulations are not. Scouting for this pest is important, it can devour an oleander shrub in ashort period of time and is very difficult to control when larvae are larger.
 
Also while I was outside today, looking for more little pest I found 2 "orangedog" caterpillars on my grapefruit tree, and when I went to touch the bigger one, two red snail-like antennas popped out at me...are they poisonous? What were those red things?

Dear Vicki,
The Orangedog caterpillars are the larval form of the Giant Swallowtail, North America's largest butterfly. The red antennae give off a malodorous scent which is used to discourage enemies, generally birds. They are not poisonous. Please send photos as we would love to include them with your letter.

Hag Moth Caterpillar
(9/12/2003) Strange Creature
My husband found this strange creature crawling on our truck under an oak tree. Is it some kind of larva camouflaged as a leaf? It was almost slug-like on its underside (but didn't seem to be leaving a slimy trail) and had a very strong suction hold to the glass jar I had put it in. It was about 3/4" in length. The "leaf" part appeared to be very soft/velvety. We live in SE Virginia. Can you help us identify this?
Thanks,
Michele

Dear Michelle,
Sometimes called the monkey slug, the full-grown hag moth (Phobetron pithecium) caterpillar is brown, 0.5 inch long, and has nine lateral lobes or processes with urticating (stinging) hairs. Some of these lobes protruding from the sides of the body are longer than others and are occasionally shed. Hag moths caterpillars are present in summer and fall. They produce one generation per year. Host plants include various forest trees and shrubs.
"Phobetron pithecium is called the Hag Moth because the dark brown larva has eight relatively long, fleshy, hairy appendages that cover the back, project from the sides and have a backward twist like locks of disheveled hair. They are, in fact, fleshy hooks covered with feathery, brown hairs among which are longer, black, stinging hairs. the cocoon is almost spherical and is defended by the hairy appendages that the larva in some way contrives to leave on the outside. These tufts give to the bullet-shaped cocoon a nondescript appearance and the stinging hairs afford a very perfect protection against birds and other vertebrates. The adults fly in midsummer. The female is brownish marked with yellow; the male is smaller." according to Lutz.
Here is a great site with more information on stinging caterpillars.

Another Devil!
(9/10/2003)
we found a hickory horned devil lastnight. of course, we had no idea what it was until i found it on your website. what do we do to watch it's metamorphisis? i have attached a picture.
christina franz
st. louis mo

Hi Christina,
Amazing, we just posted that photograph yesterday. Often with insects as well as other species, sighting appear in swarms because of the life cycles which in isolated populations are obvioulsy in sync with one another. We have already noted that the Hickory Horned Devil is the common name of the caterpillar of the Royal (or Regal) Walnut Moth, names which reveal two of the food sources. Other leaves fed upon by the caterpillar are butternut, ash, persimmon, sweet gum and sumac. The adult moths have mouth parts but probably do not feed. Pupation occurs in the ground, with no cocoon being formed. It seems that this week, mature caterpillars (in fact an oxymoron since the caterpillar is an immature form) have been dropping from their host trees to the ground where they will burrow. This will unfortunately hide the metamorphosis from view. You can try providing the caterpillar with a box of some sort filled with rich earth from the garden that is not packed too tightly. You might also want to cover the ground with leaves. The caterpillar will then burrow and metamorphose into the naked pupa. You will want to keep the box in a protected place where it will not be too warm, but will also not freeze thoroughly. Unfortunately in a box, this might be difficult. It need the winter coolness, but in the wild, the earth only freezes solid for several inches, and the caterpillar has protection from the killing of the freeze. If you aren't too squeemish, you can refrigerate the box in your kitchen. Then in the warm days of May, you can bring the box out to warm and hopefully your specimen will have survived, escaped the pupa, dug its way to the surface, and transformed into the beautiful adult moth. Lutz quotes Kellogg's description of the adult as being "a rich brown groundcolor on bod and hind wings, with the fore wings slaty gray with yellow blotches, and veins broadly marked out in red-brown. If you are successful, please send a photo of the adult.

(9/10/2003) hickory horned devil
Thank goodness for your web site.  I have been looking 4 info on this thing 4 days.  I live in N Indiana.  Not having lived here for long... I was totally freaked when my daughter and her friend brought home "diffy" (as they named him).  I took him all over the neighborhood questioning my neighbors.  None of them had ever seen one before.  My daughter brought it to school...no one had any info. So, thank you so much for the info that you provide! We had had him for a few days now and he seems not to be faring to well. Should I try and cover him w/ dirt and see if he coocoons??
Thanks so much!!!!
Sharon

Give it a shot Sharon. Good luck. He would probably be getting sluggish before pupating anyways. He does not form a cocoon, but a naked pupa.

Hickory Horned Devil
(9/8/2003)
I found this bug out in my yard this morning.  It was near my tomato plants.  It is a very odd looking thing. If you know what it is could you tell me if it is poisonous.  It was thrashing around when I tried to pick it up.  It reminded me of a snake.  I have small dogs and was scared that they may try to eat it.  They try to eat grub worms and I am afraid that they will make them sick.  Thanks for your time. 
Teresa Causey
Chavies, Kentucky

Dear Teresa,
I'm happy your photo arrived. We just received another siting from a young man who found one in his jeep, but there was no photo, only a verbal description. It is a Hicory Horned Devil, the largest North American caterpillar. It is the larva of the Royal (or Regal) Walnut Moth, Citheronia regalis. The forewings of the moth are olive colored with yellow spots and red veins. The hing wings are orange-red potted with yellow and the body is reddish brown with yellow bands. It is a beautiful moth. The caterpillars, though fearful in appearance, are harmless. They feed principally on Hickory, Walnut and Persimmon.
Ed. note: See next letter

Caterpillars
(9/3/2003)Hi,  
My son came in with a huge green caterpillar with big orange horns last night.  It was probably 5-6 inches long and 3/4 inch thick.  It extended across his hand.  Looked like one of those chinese dragons.  
He had been out in his jeep earlier and thought some how it had gotten in the car, for later when he was standing by the car, it crawled across his foot.  We have never seen anything like it.  Do you have any ideas?  
Thank you, J.Hansel

Dear J.
It is the caterpillar of the Royal Walnut Moth,Citheronia regalis, which has the largest caterpillar in North America.  The caterpillar, which your son found goes by the common name of Hickory Horned Devil.  Please send a photo, we would love to have it.  The moth is also quite beautiful.  It has olive colored upper wings with red veins and yellow spots, orange red hind wings with yellow spots, and a reddish body with yellow bands.

Thank you for the quick answer.  We took it to the zoo and found out you are correct.  Such a thrill to see it. A couple of years ago I had a similar thrill I could share with the grandchildren.  I captured a huge moth that was a big as my husbands hand. It was a soft tan color with pink designs in the wings.  When I let it fly it looked like a bird going over the house.  I remember looking it up but I forgot what I found .  I feel the Lord truly blesses us when we see these things up close in their own environment.  You know that you will never have the same experience again.  Thank you for your help,  Judy Hansel
P.S.  I did get pictures with my new digital camera.  When I learn how to send it I will send you the picture.

I'm glad we could be helpful Judy,
Don't forget to send the photos when you have a chance.  We would love to post one with your letter.   The moth you found years ago is a member of the family Saturnidae, the giant silk moths.  Based on your color description, I would guess probably an Ailanthus Silk Moth, though it could also be a Cecropia.

(9/5/2003)
My 8 yr old Daughter has been collecting different bugs, and such since we moved to Sierra Vista, AZ. Her latest are in the attached photos. both fuzzy, and two are blackish brown while the other one is orange-yellow.
THank You, RC

Dear RC,
The brown caterpillars are a type of wooly-bear, the larvae of a group of moths known as Tiger Moths,
Family Arctiidae. The exact species is difficult to determine, but it could be a Vestal Tiger Moth,
Maenas vestalis, the moth of which is white with conspicuous red forelegs, a Painted Arachnis,
Arachnis picta, the moth of which is beautifully marked with grey on white forewings and red
hindwings, or it could be another Tiger Moth. The yellow caterpillar is also a wooly-bear, perhaps Spilosoma virginica. Both are general feeders and shouldn't be too hard to keep alive until they pupate, which they will do inside of a cocoon composed of their own hair. The best way to determine the species of the caterpillar is seeing what the adult moth that emerges looks like.

(8/14/2003) english grub
Can you identify a grub/larva whatever for me?  I live in the south east of england and found two of these horrible things in my garden, or rather my dog did.  They are about 3 inches long and fat, the head end of its body about 2 inches in circumference.  It is greenish brown, and the most distinctive marking is on its head, it has markings like two large eyes.  It makes it look like a 'pretty' nursery rhyme sort of insect character.  My dog found one is some bindweed undergrowth and the other on a fuchsia bush.  Can you help me please.  Havent had any luck from anyone else.
Thanks, Mary Thomas

Dear Mary,
It sounds like you have found some type of caterpillar, most probably a Swallowtail Butterfly or a Giant Silk Moth of some type. The eyelike markings are a defense mechanism to frighten birds, one of the greatest threats to a plump juicy caterpillar. Here in the U.S. we have several Swallowtail Caterpillars that could possibly fit your description, including the Western Tiger Swallowtail and the Spicebrush Swallowtail. It is possible that you have a European species that has a similar looking caterpillar. Here are some images of Papilio troilus, the Spicebrush Swallowtail, I downloaded.

These look like nursery rhyme characters, and are frightful to birds. Unfortunately, they do not live in England and I can't seem to find much information