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Stinging
Rose Caterpillar
(09/03/2005) Bright yellow with spines
Hi!
I was standing next to my rose bush and I thought my Blue
Girl should not have yellow flowers. So when I looked
a little closer I found this creature. It was attached
to the rose leaf like a slug but it was colored very beautiful.
Any idea what this is or what it will be? I live in Alpena,
Arkansas. It is in the Northwest part of the state.
Thanks,
Angie
Hi Angie,
We were sure this was a Slug Caterpillar, but not sure of
the species. That is why we wrote back for your location.
Then a web search led ut to a University
of Arkansas site that identified your Stinging Rose Caterpillar,
Parasa indetermina. The site we mentioned has images of the
adult moth as well. The caterpillar on that site has a red
background color your specimen lacks. The yellow version is
more common.
Bedstraw
Hawkmoth Caterpillar
(09/02/2005) black horned caterpillar
Hi there,
I ran across this crazy looking specimen today fly- fishing
in south-western Alberta on the HIGHWOOD river. It was approximately
2.5 inches long. I thought it was weird that it was sunning
itself on a rock a couple of feet from the river. I
saw on the site that another person encountered one in British
Columbia, but you couldn't identify it. Have you had any luck
since?
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks to your letter we did more research and turned to Bill
Oehlke's site. We located what we are 99% sure is your
caterpillar, the Bedstraw Hawkmoth. Caterpillars are very
variable in coloration. The Bedstraw Hawkmoth or Gallium Sphinx,
Sphinx gallii ranges throughout Canada as well as much of
Europe. Oehlke writes: "Larvae, which were smooth, shiny,
and predominantly black, grew extremely rapidly. They reminded
me of warm, black licorice strips in that they were shiny,
long and thin, and did not seem to have or exercise much longitudinal
muscle strength. "
Brown
Hooded Owlet Caterpillar and Unicorn Caterpillar
(09/02/2005) Got it!
Good morning, Daniel.
I think that I may have found the name of that caterpillar
recently found munching on goldenrod leaves.. A friend of
mine suggests that it is a "Brown-Hooded Owlet"
caterpillar. What do you think? Here's a picture
of a unicorn caterpillar that you may find of interest.
Thanks.
Colin
 |
 |
| Brown
Hooded Owlet Caterpillar |
Unicorn
Caterpillar |
Hi again Colin,
We checked with BugGuide
and agree with your nicely researched identification of the
Brown Hooded Owlet Moth, Cucullia convexipennis. Your other
caterpillar is one of the Prominent Moths, but we never heard
the common name Unicorn Caterpillar. Ater checking
Caterpillars of the Eastern Forests, we see you have correctly
identified Schizura unicornis.
Definitely Imperial Moth Caterpillar
(09/01/2005) possible imperial moth caterpillar?
Hi Bugman!
My 9year old daughter found the caterpillar we have pictured
here on either a mulberry or redbud tree here in central Indiana. We
looked at your site and the Caterpillars of the Eastern Forest
website and the closest we could come to picking a winner
was the Imperial Moth caterpillar... could you confirm or
deny? We would love to use this 'pillar as a school
project if we can figure out how to take care of it properly.
Many thanks!
Kim
Hi Kim,
You are absolutely correct in you identification. Continue
to feed the caterpillar the leaves from the tree you found
it eating.
Asp
(09/01/2005) looks like a furry fish Just discovered your
site! It’s very helpful, but we’re stumped on
this one that looks like a furry fish. We found it happily
eating a Red Bud leaf.
Dee Smith , Horticulture Manager
LaGrange , GA
Hi Dee,
The Puss Moth Caterpillar also goes by the local name Asp.
This name is common especially Texas. The caterpillar has
stinging hairs which can cause an uncomfortable irritation.
Spined
Soldier Bug eats Monarch Caterpillar
(08/31/2005) Any idea the name of this specimen?
Can you help identify this caterpillar recently found munching
on goldenrod leaves. Thanks. You might also be interested
in the attached shot of a Monarch caterpillar recently done
in by the stink bug lurking in the shadows.
Colin Freebury
Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Hi Colin,
We don't have an ID on your caterpillar yet, but we are thrilled
to post your Spined Soldier Bug, Podisus maculiventris, one
of the Predatory Stink Bugs, with its Monarch Meal. Here is
a site
with more information on this Predatory Stink Bug.
Orange
Striped Oakworm
(08/30/2005) Some bug pics for you to enjoy
Hi Bugman,
I have a new hobby. Ever since I found your website
(it was in an Earthlink newsletter I received) I have
felt the need to identify all unknown bugs that cross my path.
I also inform all witnesses of said bugs as to what kind of creature
they witnessed. This is a rather peculiar hobby
for me because I despise bugs, as they give me the
heebie jeebies. My new hobby, however, has
given me a new-found respect for these creatures.
Since coming to your website, I have been able to identify
a house centipede, the millipedes that were invading my home,
a wolf spider (HEART ATTACK!) the orange striped oakworms
that are busy, busy, busy in my driveway and the golden orb
spider who has spun her web by my mailbox.
I think you will be happy to know that, this time, instead
of pointing and turning my head so my husband could squash
them, I have mustered up the courage to take some pictures.
They were taken outside of my home (thank God they
were outside) in Matthews, NC (Charlotte area.) One
is of an Orange Striped Oakworm and the other is a Golden
Orb Spider. Please enjoy.
Thank you for your informative and fun website.
Sincerely,
Kathy Richardson
Hi Kathy,
Your letter gives us such a warm feeling. We are thrilled
that you are embracing photography as we are both photography
instructors. We are also very happy that you now respect the
Arthropods that you are encountering. We have decided to post
your Orange Striped Oakworm, Anisota senatoria instead of
the Golden Orb Weaver as we have many photos of that impressive
spider.
Luna
Moth Caterpillar
(08/29/2005) What is this bug??
Dear Bugman,
I was in Maine for a week checking out the wildlife when
I almost crushed a worm/silkworm of some kind while hiking.
I could not identify this worm with the resources I have checked
out thus far. The photo is attached. If you cant
help thanks Bugman. If not thanks for you time.
Eric
Hi Eric,
Nice photo of an Luna Moth Caterpillar, Actias luna, one of
the Giant Silk Moths. We get many images of the adult of this
gorgeous green moth, but yours is one of the few caterpillar
images.
Forest
Tent Caterpillar
(08/28/2005) What's this teal caterpiller
I thought I sent this to you back in June but could find no
answer. Found in Detroit area in June. Looked everywhere
for a picture of it to no avail. Any idea?
Thanks, Chris
Hi Chris,
This is a Forest Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria. Although
a gregarious feeder, this caterpillar does not form a tent.
It is occasionally a pest, feeding on aspens, gums, maples,
oaks, and many other forest and orchard trees. Caterpillar
is found April to June. Here is a Florida
site with information aplenty.
Skiff
Moth Caterpillar
(08/27/2005) Whats this bug?
A student brought this to me and in my search to find the
answer I found the Bugman! The only one who may help me. I'm
thinking it is some type of caterpillar. I'd appreciate
the help.
thanks
chad
Hi Chad,
This is a photographic angle we have never seen on a Skiff
Moth Caterpillar, Prolimacodes badia, one of the Slug Caterpillars.
The caterpillars which can be found from July through October
feed on cherries, oaks, and many other woody plants.
Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillar
(08/25/2005) Caterpillar Invasion
Hi Bugman - You have a great site! I noticed that a tree
in my yard was being defoliated - at first I thought it was
just some deer munching their way through to the rest of the
"salad bar" my gardens provide. However, on closer inspection,
I discovered the tree has at least 75-100 of these caterpillars
happily munching away. Any idea as to what they could be?
The are smooth, with a single "horn" above their posterior
and a dark black/blue body with the yellow colorations down
their sides. They range in size from about 1.5 to 3 inches
long. Thanks for any help you can provide. I live in central
NJ, 10 minutes from the ocean. The caterpillars are
munching on a catalpa tree, which is about two years old and
approximately 15' tall. The tree was a "gift"
from either the winds or birds and was quite happy in its
location - which has butterfly bush, milkweed, assorted wildflowers
and hummingbird vine. Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.
Regards, Anne
Bingo Anne,
Thank you for writing back with the host plant. Often the
host plant is a critical bit of information in caterpillar
identification. This is a Catalpa Sphinx, Ceratomia catalpae.
Here is a site
with a wealth of information. Huge infestations often occur
and the tree can be severly defoliated.
Sphinx
Caterpillar
(08/25/2005) Caterpillar ID
I found this on a cherry tree outside my house in eastern
North Carolina. I'm sure it's some sort of Sphinx, and my
bet is on the blinded sphinx, but I'm definitely not sure.
I'm amazed at how much its pattern has adapted to the red
spots on the cherry leaves.
Thanks,
Emily
Hi Emily,
Sadly, we are not sure because many caterpillars have atypical
colorations and patterns. We do believe this is one of the
Sphinx genus, possibly the Great
Ash Sphinx, or the Wild
Cherry Sphinx as well as your choice, the Blinded
Sphinx, Paonias excaecatus. You could always raise it
and see what emerges.
Ed. Note: Additional research on BugGuide
now has us believing this is Paonias excaecatus.
Prometheus
Caterpillar
(08/24/2005) promethea moth, callosamia promethea?
These guys, about 2+ inches long and maybe as much as 1/2
inch in diameter, are eating our lilacs in southern
Maine. Searching for "red spikes" "yellow
horn" found only somebody else with the same question!
Based on your site I went back to check Caterpillars of Eastern
Forests again, this time finding the photographs. Pix
at johncodygallery seem to confirm it. I guess you can't tell
the sex of the adult moth from the caterpillar? Or
do they always go in pairs? Anyway I thought you
might like a pic of these guys since I didn't find one here
already. Thanks - sounds like you just love doing
this - lucky for the rest of us! (I do hope no new photos
with 2005 dates mean it's still early in the season, not that
you've stopped - )
Debbie JKM
Hi Debbie,
We presume your websearch led you to our first Caterpillar
page. We have a second as well with recent postings. You should
also check out our homepage. Yes, this is a Prometheus Caterpillar.
We don't know how to tell the sex of the immature insect.
Thanks for adding to our archive.
Hickory Horned Devil
(08/23/2005) What is this bug?
I found this crawling in my yard, my dog was after it.
I found another one yesterday but it had different spikes
on it. Do you know what it is? Thank you
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
We always get several photos of Hickory Horned Devils at this
time of year, which is why we like to keep a photo of one
on our homepage in August and September. You would have seen
it if you had scrolled down a bit.
Saddleback Caterpillar
(08/22/2005) What is this?
Dear Bug experts,
I just got stung while taking a photo of this. What
is it and should I be worried?
Thanks!
Anne Cracraft
Knoxville, TN
Hi Anne,
Fear not. You will live. The sting of the Saddleback Caterpillar
is only a mild skin irritant. Had you scrolled down our homepage,
you could have identified it for yourself. We will now replace
that photo with yours.
Isabella
Tiger Moth
(08/20/2005) What is this caterpillar?
Hello Bugman,
I have a few photos of a caterpillar I saw earlier this
spring -- March I think. I looked over your moth
and caterpillar photos and did not see this one so I thought
I'd pass it along. I hope this caterpillar
was not blinded by my picture - I had to use a flash!
This particular one was walking on the sidewalk so I
used a stick to move it to safety. I'd like to
think its off enjoying its little life now. Thank you for
this site -- I love it! I have always been fascinated
by bugs and have really enjoyed photographing them lately.
Sincerely,
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
This is a common Banded Wooly Bear. The adult is known as
the Isabella Tiger Moth, Isia isabella. Legend has it that
farmers can determine the severity of a winter based on the
width of the brown center stripe.
Banded
Sphinx
(08/18/2005) Large awesome caterpillar
Hey Bugman!
Can you help in the identification of this huge caterpillar? We
found them last Saturday on a plant at the edge of our large
pond. They have since (3 of them) completely depleted the
leaves of the plant. The nearest plant of the same
sort is located 20’ away from where they are. There
was also some sort of large green shimmery caterpillar on
there as well, but we could not find it Tuesday. I
collected them and have been feeding them from the other plant. I
have included a picture of the plant, we do not know what
it is either(it grows wild around the pond). They
have become so large (nearly 4”) they were weighing
down the plant to the waters edge, where they will most likely
become bass food.. Any help you can give would
be appreciated. Do they burrow under ground, if
so we will need to put them on the other plant. Your site
is fantastic. Thanks for your help!!
Ruby
Hi Ruby,
You didn't need to look any further than our homepage to find
another image of a Banded Sphinx, Eumorpha fasciata. It feeds
on Ludwigia, the water primrose.
Saddleback Caterpillar
(08/18/2005) saddleback vs. inchworm
What a fantastic site you have! Love all of the photos.
I have a bug behavior question for you and possibly a photo
for your carnage page. Several days ago I found a saddleback
caterpillar in my yard and put it (along with the weed it
was on) into my 5 yr old's bug house for observation.
A few days later my friend brought over some basil from her
yard and it had an inchworm on it, so feeling lucky to
have a bug house in my kitchen, I put the worm and some
of the basil in there with the saddleback. Things seemed
fine for several days, then 2 days ago, I noticed that
the saddleback was doing laps around and stinging the inchworm. Yesterday
my 5 year old pointed out the fact the inchworm is
now covered in a web-like pillow of some sort and is apparently
dead. What did the saddleback do to the inchworm?
Why? Can a saddleback produce a web-like substance?
Also, how long before the saddleback metamorphasizes?
Donie
Birmingham, Alabama
Hi Donie,
We find the behavior you describe utterly fantastic, and have
no explanation. However, we feel you may have misinterpreted
the situation. The inchworm you write about appears to be
an Omniverous Green Looper, and it also appears to be in the
pupal stage. We believe the caterpillar just pupated on its
own, without any help from the Saddleback Caterpillar. Most
caterpillars can spin silk. We are going to post your Saddleback
Caterpillar, Sibine stimulea. The spines on this caterpillar
are mildly poisonous and will sting.
Leafy
Spurge Hawkmoth
(08/17/2005) Caterpillar
Dear Bugman,,
I'm a wildlife photographer from Alberta. Canada....and I
came across this beautifully colored caterpillar....but for
some reason I cannot seem to ID it.even with the help of guide
books and the use of the internet on butterflies and
moth caterpillar species..!! Can you help.....see attached
image for reference ! Much Thanks..
Regards,
Brian Wolitski
www.bmwphoto.com
Hi Brian,
This is one color variation of a Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth, Hyles
euphorbiae. Bill Oehlke has some great information on his
site.
The moth was introduced from Europe as a biological control
for the weed Leafy Spurge. The moth has been released in Montana,
Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, Ontario and Alberta where it
is thriving and eating leafy spurge.
Asp
(08/17/2005)
Dear Bugman:
This caterpillar was found in my yard in Coppell , Texas (North
Texas ). It is soft and when it latches onto a twig
or blade of grass it really grabs on. I’d like
to know what kind of caterpillar it is and what it turns into.
Thank you!
Valarie
Hi Valarie,
In some areas, the Puss Moth Caterpillar has the local common
name Asp. These caterpillars have stinging hairs that cause
skin irritation.
Pandora Sphinx
(08/16/2005) What's this?
Dear Bugman,
What is this pretty thing? He and his buddies spend
every summer decimating my Virginia creeper vines, and
I spend the summer relocating them to wild grapevines.
I'd love to know what he is, and what he becomes. By the way,
I LOVE your website - this is the first time I've ever spent
more than a few minutes prowling around a website! It's
absolutely great.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Your Pandora Sphinx, Eumorpha pandorus, will do considerably
more growing before pupating underground and emerging as a
lovely olive and pale green moth with pink and lavendar markings.
Use our search engine to locate pages with additional photos
of caterpillars and adult moths.
Dear Daniel, Thanks for the quick answer! The Pandora Sphinx
moth on your website is quite lovely, and I'm pleased to know
that they've been happy with the wild grapevines. Also, my
husband and I were thrilled to read that you and your group
live peacefully with the black widow spiders; we've always
tried to do that, too, although everyone else seems to think
we're nuts. Three cheers for you and your fantastic web site!
Patricia
Banded
Sphinx Caterpillar
(08/16/2005) WHats this Caterpillar???
I am sure you get lots of these. I am a park ranger and have
no idea what species this is. It has a slight horn on its
tail. Any response would be helpful. Your website is an AWESOME
resource for us! Thanks for all the hard work!!!
Ranger Jay
Saluda Shoals Park
Columbia SC
Hi Ranger Jay,
We just love helping the rangers, especially those that go
the extra mile to try to get things identified for the curious
public. This is a Banded Sphinx Caterpillar, Eumorpha fasciata.
It feeds on Ludwigia, the water primrose. The coloration of
the caterpillar is highly variable.
Hickory Horned Devil
(08/16/2005) Can you identify this?
Found under the shrubs in my neighbor's yard in North FL.
The shell and spines are hard, it seems aggressive when you
get near it. The quarter is for size approximation.
Joe
Hi there Joe,
The caterpillar of the lovely Royal Walnut Moth is the fierce
looking but harmless Hickory Horned Devil.
Tersa Sphinx, Green Morph
(08/08/2005)
Hey bugman, I live in Southern Georgia and my cat brought
this to me from my flowers! What kind of caterpillar is this?
It is devouring my pentas. Thanks,
Marcy
Hi Marcy,
The Tersa Sphinx, Xylophanes tersa, is commonly found on Penta.
There is both a green and brown form to this caterpillar.
Laurel Sphinx Caterpillar
(08/05/2005) big fat larva thing :)
hi there,
can you help us identify this larva/caterpillar thing we found
in our garden? we live in northern ontario (canada), and our
cat found it near our lilac bushes. it measures approx. 3
inches when stretched out. it is *lightning* fast, i never
would have imagined something so fat moving that fast. if
you poke it it thrashes very aggressively. what purpose
does the 'horn' serve? we showed it to a neighbor who
is an avid gardener and were told they would eat our
tomato plants if we didnt get rid of them. thanks in advance
for any info you can give us, cheers,
gabriel & rio
Hi Gabriel and Rio,
You caterpillar is not a Tomato Hornworm, but a close relative,
the 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. It will
not eat tomatoes.
Biological
Control
(08/05/2005) Braconid Wasp cocoons on caterpillar
I never would have know what this was if I hadn't seen it
on your site yesterday! I found this poor guy on my tomato
plant, he is still alive but not for long. What does he turn
into? I read that this is good because him and his friends
would eat my tomato plants and some gardeners purposely release
braconid wasps into their garden to control these caterpillars
naturally.
Steve
Thanks for the image Steve,
Adults of Manduca sexta are large mottled brown moths with
yellow spots on the abdomen. We have one pictured on our Hawkmoth
page.
Four Horned Sphinx: Green Morph
(08/04/2005) very big caterpillar
Hi,
We found this bug in our back yard in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada. Can you tell us what it is? Will it be a moth? It
was the biggest caterpillar we had ever seen!! It was at least
3 inches long and quite sturdy. Thanks,
Melanie Stevenson
Hi Melanie,
This is a Four Horned Sphinx or Elm Sphinx caterpillar, Ceratomia
amyntor. There is a brown form which we recently posted as
well as the green form you have sent in.
Cecropia
Caterpillar
(08/04/2005) Caterpillar
My son-in-law and daughter found this caterpillar on their
property. They put their daughter's size four shoe near
it to show us us how large this thing is. Do you
have any ideas and above all is it poisonous. Thanks,
Wanda
Hi Wanda,
Your Cecropia Moth Caterpillar, despite its fierce size, is
totally harmless. It will mature into a large beautiful moth.
Azalea Caterpillar
(08/03/2005) Mean looking caterpillar
Greetings Bugman,
I live in Tallahassee, FL and I recently found these very
agressive caterpillars all over a bush in my front yard. If
you prod them with something, they arch their back and lunge
at whatever touches them, while simultanously regurgitating
some green goop and smearing it on whatever touches them.
They have 3 sets of segmented front legs which appear to have
stingers protruding slightly from them, but I can't really
tell. A couple of days after I discovered them, they had all
but disappeared leaving my bush in seriously bad shape. I
was fortunate to have received a new digital camera just in
time to get some great macro shots of the last one I could
find. I'm curous to know what it is and if it can sting. If
it can't sting, it sure can put on a good bluff!
Here's the best shot I was able to get with my macro on a
tripod....love my Nikon Coolpix 4500 macro for these types
of shots!!
Brett
Hi Brett,
We didn't have to research this Prominent Moth Caterpillar
for too long before we located the Azalea Caterpillar, Datana
major on this Florida
website. The defense posture you describe as well as depict
in your awesome photograph is typical of the entire Datana
genus.
Black
Swallowtail Crysalid
(08/02/2005) Chrysalis on fennel plant
We had tiger swallowtail caterpillars on our fennel plants
recently and I noticed this chrysalis last night. How
long until it hatches? I love your website, I’ll definitely
be sending pictures in for identification. This was
taken in Clayton, North Carolina, August 1, 2005
Ken
Hi Ken,
This is definitely a Swallowtail which is recognizeable because
the crysalis is upright and has a support strand of silk around
it. Not a Tiger though since fennel is not a food plant. In
your area, I would guess a Black Swallowtail which feeds on
carrots, parsley, Queen's Anne Lace and related plants. I
am not sure if the Anise Swallowtail ranges in your area.
That would be a first choice in the West.
Handful
of Caterpillar!!!
(08/01/2005) hickory horned devil
My son,Tyler found this, I thought you might like the photo's.
Thank You
Brian Marceaux
Vinton, LA.
Thanks for the image Brian. It is our first Hickory Horned
Devil of the year.
Four Horned Sphinx
(07/30/2005) Help identifying catepillar
We found a caterpillar that we hope we can "rehabilitate."
It is approximately 2 1/2 inches long, green and purplish
brown in color with a "horn" near its tail end.
I've attached a couple of pics. Any help you can give me on
identification and what I can do to bring it back to 100%
would be great.
I've also attached a picture or two of what we thought was
a hummingbird. After doing some research it seems to
be a hummingbird moth. Can you please verify?
Thank you.
Laura Stoy
Chesapeake, Virginia
Hi Laura,
Your caterpillar is a Four Horned Sphinx or Elm Sphinx, Ceratomia
amyntor. The caterpillar has both a green and dark form. I
am not sure what the trauma is that requires rehabilitation,
but you can try feeding it elm, birch, basswood or cherry
leaves. There is more information on Bill
Oelhke's site. Your moth is also a Sphinx Moth or Hawk
Moth or Hummingbird Moth, probably the Tobacco Sphinx, Manduca
sexta.
Parsley
Eater
(07/29/2005) Black Swallowtail Caterpillars
I found these critters on your site, thanks! Your
response to another reader suggested you might need another
photo, so here's a close-up of my garden pests.
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the image. They really don't eat that much parsley
and you will have a lovely butterfly to follow.
Luna
Moth Caterpillar
(07/25/2005) Caterpillar
Hello!!
My sons found a very large, green caterpillar this weekend
in Traverse Bay, Manitoba, and I've been unable to determine
what kind it is. They had been holding him in a ventilated
can in the shade and noticed he had turned red. The
boys gave him large leaf to eat, and later that day he began
to cocoon using the leaf. We are hoping to witness the
butterfly/moth hatch, and also were wondering when we should
expect it to come along.Thanks SO much!!
Cheryl Pilek
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Hi Cheryl,
This is a Luna Moth Caterpillar. There are two distinct generations.
Most sitings of moths occur in May. Your caterpillar will
overwinter in the cocoon in the later generation. Seems your
specimen might be a little off schedule, but we would guess
it will emerge within a month so that its progeny will have
the time to mature as caterpillars and form an overwintering
cocoon.
Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
(07/22/2005) Bugman
Can you help me identifie this worm? It and another
one were found in a apple tree in Michigan. Thank
you so much for any help.
John Warren
Hi John,
Your Cecropia Moth Caterpillar will become a large gorgeous
Saturnid Moth.
Tentacled
Prominent
(07/21/2005) Caterpillar
Hi, I spotted this caterpillar and was wondering if you could
tell me what type it is please.
I live in Kent, in the South-East of the UK.
Alley Katt
Hi Alley Katt,
Stateside we have an identical caterpillar known as the Tentacled
Prominent or Puss Moth, Cerura species. They range over most
of North America. It is obviously either a very close relative
you have or an introduced species. When disturbed, this caterpillar
extends whiplike filaments from each of the two fleshy hornlike
projections at the tip of the abdomen and waves these filaments.
It can eject an irritating fluid from glands on the thorax.
Io
Moth Caterpillar
(07/18/2005) Any idea what kind of caterpillar this is?
Hello
An hour ago I was out in the yard & came across this caterpillar..I've
not seen it move much so I'm thinking it will be soon going
into chrysalis or making a cacoon,whichever it does.The caterpillar
was found on my Hyacinth bean vine . Unlike most women my
age that I know I LOVE bugs.I go out looking for them..
Take care
Vicki Marshman
ps,,great site.
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for the compliment. Your caterpillar is an Io Moth,
Automeris io. We have some adult moth images on our Saturnid
or Silkmoth page. The caterpillar is very fond of cherry leaves.
Careful handling that caterpillar. The spines can cause a
stinging sensation if they penetrate the skin.
(07/18/2005) Caterpillars Metamorphose into Faithful Beauty
(07/11/2005) Psychedelic caterpillars
Hello again. These life jacket orange with metallic blue dots
and two long white hairs near the head caterpillars are decimating
my stephanotis vine. The pupae are shiny brown and have strands
of silk holding them on the leaves. I live in West Palm Beach
Florida. Can you identify them?
Enid
Ed. Note: Caterpillars are often difficult
to identify, and sadly, we weren't much help to Enid, but
as the following response shows, the caterpillars metamorphosed
into a stunning little moth.
(07/19/2005) The psychedelic caterpillar becomes moth
Hello there. Remember the life jacket orange and metallic
blue caterpillars? Well, this is what they become and it is
called a faithful beauty and they are rare for West Palm Beach.
Regards.
Enid
Hi Enid,
Your caterpillar photo was on our back burner, but we couldn't
really identify. Your Moth has a wonderful common name, Faithful
Beauty, and the scientific name is Composia fidelissima. It
is mostly tropical but does stray into South Florida. Perhaps
last year's hurricanes blew a few moths off course and they
liked the climate. Thanks so much for the update.
Polyphemus
Caterpillar
(07/17/2005) What is it?
This caterpillar was found in Osoyoos, British Columbia,
Canada in July 2005. It is approximately 3 inches long. Do
you know what it is?
Justen DePourcq
Hi Justen,
We believe this to be a Polyphemus Caterpillar, one of the
Giant Silkworm or Saturnid Moths.
Banded
Sphinx Caterpillar
(07/13/2005) Caterpillar
Hi
Is this either one of the hummingbird sphinx or achemon sphinx
caterpillars??????
pat
Hi Pat,
This is a Banded Sphinx Caterpillar, Eumorpha fasciata. There
are several different color variations. You can see them on
BugGuide.
Caterpillars are fond of primrose.
Great
Ash Sphinx Caterpillar
(07/10/2005) What on earth is this?
I would love to know what kind of caterpillar or larvae we
found our dog playing with. I’ve never seen anything
like it. It’s about 4 inches long and about 3⁄4
inch in diameter.
Thanks for your help
This one took a bit of research. Seems the color phase
is a little unusual. This is the caterpillar of a Northern
Ash Sphinx or Great Ash Sphinx, Sphinx chersis chersis. We
located some information on Bill
Oehlke's great site.
Abbot's
Sphinx Caterpillar: Gray Form
(07/09/2005) Hi!
Just had the attachment sent to me, but I am not quite certain
from where; likely Western Canada . Apparently these are on
Virginia creeper. I thought they might be or related to Elephant
hawk moths, Deilephila elpenor . Is BT still considered a
control or is hand-picking the answer. Thanks in advance.
Art C. Drysdale
Chairman, Vancouver Island Flower & Garden Festival Society
Hi Art,
Sorry for the delay. This is an Abbot's Sphinx Caterpillar, Sphecodina abbotti. There is both a green phase and a gray phase. There are some great images on BugGuide. The caterpillar loses is caudal horn before pupating. The resulting "scar" resembles an eye, a form of protective coloration. We do not recommend any pesticides, and if there are just a few caterpillars, would strongly recommend letting them have a meager meal.
Gypsy Moth Caterpillar
(07/08/2005) unknown caterpillar
We found this 2 inch long caterpillar on our front steps yesterday. It is mostly grey with faint tan stripes and russet/orange spots where the very long hair tufts emerge. Picture 2218 is very out of focus but shows how the long hairs look like the fringes of a rug. I believe the caterpillar may be getting ready to molt or pupate as it has started to spin long spiderweb-like strands arond it's enclosure. It might have fallen from the nearby linden tree (which just finished flowering) or come from some of the plants under the tree which include rudbeckia, hosta, creeping phlox, liatris, pansies, lavendar and purple coneflowers. We live in Southeastern Wisconsin.
This looks like the pestiferous Gypsy Moth, Porthetria dispar, to us.
Two Stages in Gulf Fritillary Metamorphosis
(07/03/2005) Gulf Fritillary larva and butterfly
I live in Ventura California and saw this caterpillar in a local park a few months ago (early spring). I thought it was a Gulf Fritillary larva until I saw a confirmed Gulf Fritillary larva on your website. Mine looks redder and does not have a orange head. What does it eat? I can't find this butterfly in any of my family's bug books, can you help identify it? thanks for your help,
Andrew Strauss
 
Hi Andrew,
Both your caterpillar and butterfly are Gulf Fritillaries, Agraulis vanillae. The caterpillar feeds exclusively on Passion Vine. The adults take nectar. Hogue describes the caterpillars as slate gray or purple on the back with burnt orange stripes on the sides.
White Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(07/03/2005) caterpillar
identify this picture
Despite being annoyed at the terse demanding tone of this query, we are posting a relatively lengthy answer, however our personal reply was equally brief. This is a White Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar, originally Hemerocampa leucostigma and now identified as Orgyia leucostigma. It is a pest on most shade and ornamental trees. They can become so numerous that they defoliate trees. Though the caterpillar is quite beautiful, the moth is small and inconspicuous.
Ficus Sphinx Green Morph and Tomato Hornworm
(07/02/2005) Caterpillar ID
Hi,
I live in South Florida.
I've been 'searching and squishing' Tomato Hornworm caterpillars on my tomato plants for over a month now. (Resisting temptation to use poisons). I'm sending you a quite nice photo I took of one before the squish, in case you want it for your site. Today I found a large, superficially similar caterpillar on my fig tree. I know it's not the same. But what is it? I'm including two photos of the 'fig caterpillar'. I suspect it's a butterfly. I've included a photo of a pair of one species I found mating there, and two of another butterfly that spent a lot of time in the tree. The lone butterfly is a species I'd never even seen before. The tree can well spare a few leaves, and there's only one of these caterpillars as far as I can tell, so I've left it alone. I'm curious to know what it is and if you can identify the butterflies as well, that would be lovely.
Marian Mendez
 |  | | Ficus Sphinx: Green Morph | Tomato Hornworm |
Hi Marian,
We are very excited to receive your letter and your wonderful photographs. I have to answer in stages though since the letter will go on multiple pages on our site. First, your unidentified caterpillar is a Ficus Sphinx, Pachylia ficus. There are many color morphs of this caterpillar and we have received an orange, magenta and green version in the past. Bill Oehlke has a wonderful site with photographs of many color morphs of this caterpillar as well as the adult moths. Also check out Marian's butterflies.
Inchworm, possibly Oak Besma
(06/29/2005) Big Ugly Worm
Hi. We have been enjoying your site very much since we discovered it a few days ago. Now we have found a weird ugly bug we would like to have identified. We live in northeastern PA. Our area is heavily woodedbut we are not near water. This THING was seen "inching" along on the concrete pad by my pigeon lofts. It moves by bending itself up into a bow shape, then reaching out with the front. It's like an inchworm, only much bigger and uglier. It has 4 caterpiller-like feet (my son says they are pseudopods) on the back end, and about 8 claw-like feet on the front. It SCARED us! What is it?
Thank you,
Sue and David
Hi Sue and David,
You can stop being scared of your Spanworm or Inchworm, one of the Geometrid Caterpillars. They are very difficult to positively identify. Our best guess is the Oak Besma, Besma quercivoraria, which eats a wide variety of forest trees besides oaks including conifers. There are conspicuous wartlike swellings that help it to mimic a twig that has had the leaves drop off, especially when the caterpillar rests by streching straight out at an oblique angle. Here is a page full of Geometrid Caterpillars from the Caterpillars of Eastern Forests website.
Last Year's Hickory Horned Devil
(06/27/2005) Thought I'd share...
Hello,
I stumbled across your website while doing some research on sand wasps and I figured you should have one of my pictures! It's
a Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar. I found it last year at the day camp I work at and thought it was the coolest ever! Hope you all can use it.
Simon Mahan
 
Hi Simon,
We usually get our Hickory Horned Devil photos in September. We just got an image of the adult Royal Walnut Moth this week. Your photo will be a nice prelude to this year's images. Thank you.
Striped Morning Sphinx Caterpillar
(06/26/2005) What's this caterpillar?
We found this caterpillar in our backyard, 6-24-05, Dayton Nevada. Can you tell us what he is? In defensive mode, it curled up. Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dennis & Pamela Nolan
Hi Dennis and Pamela,
Nice photo of a Striped Morning Sphinx, or White Lined Sphinx caterpillar, Hyles lineata. There is a brown form as well as the green form your photo illustrates.
Saddleback Caterpillar
(06/24/2005) Bug ID Help? Never mind.
My father just got bit by this strange bug on his forehead. This is a photo of the bottom of the bug. What is it? Should he seek medical attention? The bite is red and appears to be sweating just at the bite... otherwise he feels fine.
Thanks,
James in Cape Coral, Florida
I just sent you the email and forgto to attahed the photo. After looking through you wonderful website we found the Saddleback Caterpillar, Sibine stimulea.
Thank you,
James
Hi James,
Sorry for the delay, but our mailbox is brimming with queries. Glad you found out that your Saddleback Caterpillar, Sibine stimulea, isn't deadly, just irritating. It doesn't bite though, it has stinging spines.
Juno BuckMoth Caterpillar parasitized by Braconid Wasp
(06/21/2005) My Bug
Hello - I do know my bug is a caterpillar of some sort but what I want to know is what is happening to this creature. I live in south east Arizona and the caterpillar is common here but I have never seen one with the white "larvae" attached to it. It is alive and was perched on a mesquite tree branch when we found it. Do you have any ideas? Thanks you...
Jeannie
Hi Jeannie
Your Juno Buckmoth Caterpillar, Hemileuca juno, has been parasitized by a tiny Braconid Wasp that laid her eggs in the caterpillar. The young wasps fed on the caterpillar and then pupated outside. Sadly, the caterpillar will die.
Mexico Mystery
(06/10/2005) Bugman,
My family and I are living in Xalapa, Mexico for the year. We have many of these faux-bark creatures and I am fascinated! I have no idea what their classification is. I have tried desperately to find them on the Internet, but have so far found nothing. They are about 1/2 inch long. They have a little caterpillar-like head but their bodies (shell?) look like bark. I have also found them going up and down webs or silk from the ceiling. They stick to the ceiling, plants or anything with their exposed mouths. The one on my house plant is eating the leaves, but not too many, so I let him/her stay. Thanks for all you do!
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
Certain Inchworms in the Geometrid Family exhibit similar camoulfage tendencies. That is our best gues
s. Striped Morning Sphinx Caterpillars
(06/04/2005)
 
We were watering the fuschias when we noticed some nibbled leaves. Well, we found three very young Striped Morning Sphinx Caterpillars eating contentedly. We saw adults a few weeks ago feeding on the honeysuckle and fluttering around the porch light. We wonder how big these caterpillars will be when we return to town next week.
Canadian Pupa
(06/02/2005) any help would be great
Hello there, This larvae was found in a flower bed in Victoria, British Columbia Columbia. We also found one last season on the soil surface in a lawn. I am afraid that is all of the background I have for you. Thank you for any help or direction in advance.
Dale Raven
Hi Dale,
Many species of moths form underground pupa. We can't give you an exact species, but you could always wait for the moth to emerge. Often injurious cutworms form just this type of pupa.
Genista Caterpillar
(05/13/2005) hairy green caterpillars on sophora tomentosa
Hi,
These hairy green caterpillars were on a necklace-pod plant (sophora tomentosa) in Vero Beach, FL which is mid-way up the Atlantic coast of Florida (at the northern limit of the tropical zone). The cats are about 1 1/2 inches long. Since the photo was taken one of them has pupated in a cocoon on the underside of a necklace-pod leaf. Your ID help is really appreciated. I can't find any references which show necklace-pod as a host plant for any butterflies or moths and haven't been able to find a match to the caterpillar on the internet.
Keep up the good work and thanks for your help!
Kathleen Scott
Ed. Note: Before we could identify Kathleen's caterpillars, she wrote back with the following information.
Daniel,
Thank you so much! Unfortunately I didn't collect the pupa. It is no longer on the plant and I didn't find any others (of course the cats might have crawled off to pupate in other places). I continued to search the internet and finally got an identification. I'm sorry to be late in telling you. When I went back to your site to let you know there was an odd error message about the site being offline because it had exceeded its allowed number of hits. It slipped my mind to try again later, I apologise. You offer a great assistance to the public and are a wonderful resource.
The caterpillar is a Genista Caterpillar, Uresiphita (=Tholeria) reversalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The references I found for it were about Arizona, Texas and the Pacific Northwest. In Texas it feeds on mountain laurel, crape myrtle, honeysuckle & laburnum. Other references said that it's one of the few predators of Scotch Broom, an invasive exotic (legume family) in the Pacific Northwest. Apparently the caterpillar absorbs alkaloids from its host plants & is then unpalatable to predators. The following site states that the caterpillar is in the web-worm family and destructive to trees in Texas. I was very puzzled that I couldn't find any data relating to the caterpillar as a pest for necklace pod. The moth must be uncommon to Florida. I don't know how it would have gotten here but maybe there is Necklace pod is also in the legume family so that may be the connection. Necklace pod seeds contain an alkaloid that's poisonous so maybe the leaves have some too. There appear to be few natural predators (I think the wolf spider is one) for this caterpillar due to the alkaloid absorption. Thank you for your searching and your thoughtfulness in sending the update. Warmly,
Kathleen Scott
Ecuadorean Puss Moth, probably
(05/10/2005) Info request
Hi,
Saw your site and wondered if you can help. I saw this in Ecuador...Amazon Rainforest. From information on your site it looks to be a puss caterpillar. Is this correct and would it be in Ecuador? Thanks for any information.
Best Regards,
Alan
Hi Alan,
If this photo came from the U.S., we would say Puss Moth Caterpillar, or Asp, for sure. Chances are good it is a close relative.
Vanessa species Caterpillar
(05/09/2005) Hi,
I was wondering what the bug showed in the pictures is called. We found it on a nettle (Palude Brabbia Inarzo - Varese - Italy) Thanks a lot,
Alessandro
Hi Alessandro,
Most butterflies in the genus Vanessa, including Painted Ladies and Red Admirals (or Red Admirables according to Nabokov), have spiny caterpillars that feed on nettles. Your caterpillar is one of the Vanessa species.
Moth Pupa
(05/06/2005) Unusual backyard find
My daughters brought me what looks to be some sort of larvae from the backyard today. They wanted to know what it was and after a good amount of searching online I am stumped. I will enclose a picture of the thing. It is a little over 3/4" long, cylinder type body narrowing at both ends, has 3 "rings" that look to be joints towards one end of the body. There are no visible legs, eyes, or antannae. It has a brown hard body. When touched the thing will rotate the tip nearer the rings in a circle, bending at the rings. Please help satisfy my daughter's couriosity (and mine, too).
Thanks. Dan
Hi Dan,
You have dug up a moth pupa. I can't tell you the species, but many moths bury themselves in the ground and form a naked pupa like the one you found.
Wooly Bear Caterpillar
(03/14/2005) caterpillar
hello,
i found this caterpillar outside my house in L.A., and i was wondering what kind of caterpillar it is and if it's poisonous. thanks.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
Your caterpillar is a Wooly Bear, the larval form of Tiger Moths from the family Arctiidae. Many Wooly Bears are similarly colored. Based on your location, a good bet is the Painted Arachnis, Arachnis picta, a very pretty moth common in Los Angeles. We have photos of the adults on our moth page. The Wooly Bear eats a wide variety of weedy plants including wild radish. It is not poisonous
Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar
(03/12/2005) Another Red Pipevine Swallotail Caterpillar?
Dear What's That Bug,
I found this in Austin, Texas at our Barton Springs trail. Is this for sure a Red Pipevine Swallotail? If so, what plants do they normally eat? I want to paint this wonderful creature and would very much like to include accurate plantlife in my picture. Thanks for your help!
Denise Garza
Hi Denise,
With caterpillars, the best way to determine food sources it to check the plant the caterpillar was found eating. Your Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar, Battus philenor, should enjoy eating upon its namesake Pipevine Family plants, such as Dutchman's Pipe and Virginia Snakeroot. The plants have toxins in the leaves and the caterpillar absorbs those toxins which make them inedible to birds and other preying dangers. Here is a site with some nice images and information.
Cutworm
(02/01/2005) What's this worm?!!
Dear Bugman,
I found several of these 3/4-inch worms (or, yeesh, maggots?) under the geranium pots on our patio. I've attached photos, and the head (?) is on the darker end. The thing is translucent and I can see its innards through its skin. It moves like an earthworm, by rippling its muscles up from the back toward the head. I'm just getting into gardening and I want to make sure these things aren't harmful to my new plants (let alone that they aren't going to morph into something even scarier!!) Thanks so much, I love your site - even though it gave me nightmares last night! Sincerely,
Emma in Northern California
Hi Emma,
Your photo looks like a Cutworm, the caterpillar of a type of moth. There are many species. Most are general feeders. They get their common name of Cutworm from the fact that the caterpillars often eat through the stems of young plants, severing them and killing them. Just squash them.
Tersa Sphinx Pupa
(01/22/2005) What is this ??
My 6 year old daughter is fascinated with insects. She found this in our front yard and I have no idea what it is. Will you please help us shed some light on what this insect is? Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!
Dana
Hi Dana,
Your daughter found a Tersa Sphinx Pupa, Xylophanes tersa tersa, a member of the Family Sphingidae also known as Hawk Moths or Hummingbird Moths. Here is a link that will show you the life cycle of the moth. According to the site, " Pupae probably wiggle to surface from subterranean chambers or leaf litter just prior to eclosion." This could explain its appearance as your photograph indicated, which will also mean the adult moth will soon emerge. You didn't state your location, but the site also maintains the moth "flies from Massachusetts south to south Florida; west to Nebraska, New Mexico, and southern Arizona; south through Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America to Argentina. An occasional stray makes its way into Canada."
Camouflaged Inchworm of Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth
(01/05/2005) camouflaged caterpiller
Hi,
This caterpillar was photographed in Atlanta, Georgia on Oct 8, 2004.
Several of these were on a blue mist flower. Their movement was very slow.
The length was less than 1/2 inch. They appeared to be eating the flower or
maybe just biting parts off to put on their bodies. I noticed their
movements while photographing bees and got a few shots of them.. I don't
know what they are and haven't been able to find any information on them in
field books or on the web.
I just found your website today and spent quite a while looking at all the
stuff. It's one of the best bug sites I've seen.
Bill DuPree
Atlanta, Georgia
Thanks for the compliment Bill.
We were unsure as to an exact identification, so we turned to entomologist Eric Eaton who wrote back:
"Nice image! Wow! Yes, I have heard of this creature, it is an inchworm of some kind, family Geometridae. If I can dig up more information somewhere, then I will go ahead and send it along."
Thanks Daniel,
I really apprecite your help. I sort of thought it might be an inchworm. Sometime when you're not busy, check out my insect photo gallery on pbase. It's insects and spiders mostly unidentified, especially the flies. Congrats on the Yahoo and the USA recognition!
Bill DuPree
Ed. Note: Several days later Bill wrote back:
Hope you remember the camouflaged inchworm photo. I may have an identification on it: wavy lined emerald moth (Synchlora aerata). Does that seem correct? Thanks,
Bill
Hi again Bill,
We did some web research with your new information and found a link with a photograph that looks like you are probably right. Thanks for the update.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the link. It does look similar. I just got a book by Thomas Eisner, "For Love of Insects". The camo behavior is covered in chapter 8 and photos of Synchlora larva are shown both bare and in full dress. Evidently, several species of Synchlora larva camouflage themselves. I did a search for Synchlora to see how many species occurred in Georgia. I found at least 3 (there's probably more), with the most common one being the wavy lined emerald moth. Most of the bugs I see are the common ones, so I'm guessing this one is too.
Boy, this bug ID business can get hard!
Bill
Probably Skiff Moth Caterpillar
(01/04/2005) Help
About 8 years ago I found a bug and have yet to identify it. It looked like an egg case. Shaped like a tall pill bug. Pale green in color. It was hard, like a hard rubber. Underneath was orange, soft and sticky. It moved like a slug, but not as fluid. I attached a drawing of it that may be of help. It's not very complex, but neither was the bug's appearance. Please help so I can sleep at night.
Derek
 
Hi Derek
I am 99% sure you saw a Skiff Moth Caterpillar, Prolimacodes badia. Here is a photo. We have information on our caterpillar page. Sweet Dreams.
Yup, that's it. The color's different, but I just ran into a photo of one that matches the colors in my drawing. THANKS SO MUCH. I feel my life is a bit more complete now. By the way, are those hard to find or something? As I mentioned, I have yet to find another.
They are not rare, but often difficult to find.
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.
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