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Big caterpillar



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Droopy


Regular Plants Contributor

Western Norway
Posts: 9272
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:53 am   Post subject: Big caterpillar


We found this very big, very fat caterpillar at the stables this week-end:



I've found out that it's a Hyles gallii caterpillar, about 7 cm/3 inches long and rather thick. I really like the red spike near it's hind. Since it seemed to be a bit shy I couldn't get a good photo of it's face.




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Frank


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Originally Galway, Ireland
Posts: 12349
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:53 am   Post subject:


Talk about a juicy meal for a bird Smile I'd be very interested to see the butterfly that comes about from that.


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Sjoerd

West - Friesland
Posts: 6915
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:00 am   Post subject:


What a big thing! Shocked
I have seen the moth many times, but this is the first time that I have seen the larva.
This is an interesting foto, Droopy.


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playtime8978

blackpool england
Posts: 471
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:02 am   Post subject:


What a great photo, but i think he looks rather scary i would not want to come across him in the middle of my plant !! he is rather beautiful though, I am just not very brave with bugs!


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eileen


Forum Moderator

Scotland
Posts: 18013
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:10 am   Post subject:


Mother Nature produces the most bizarre and wonderful creatures doesn't she? Very Happy


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Sherry8

Wisconsin...zone 4
Posts: 2320
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:52 am   Post subject:


That picture is so great...I loved the spots...thanks for posting..Sherry


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kaseylib

Wisconsin
Posts: 1084
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:59 am   Post subject:


I found this link for more information on this handsome guy: http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hgallii.htm

I have Sphinx moths fluttering around my garden all summer but have never seen a caterpillar. Thanks for the great picture and for sparking my curiosity to find out more about him!


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glendann

Texas
Posts: 9228
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:00 pm   Post subject:


Droopy I wish we had them here.She is a real beauty .Thank you for your photo.
kaseylib thanks for getting the info and picture of this wonderful beauty.It sure reminds me of a humming bird moth.It is a beauty.


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Droopy


Regular Plants Contributor

Western Norway
Posts: 9272
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:02 pm   Post subject:


I don't think I would like to try and eat it, even though it's rich in protein. Laughing We put it carefully away, and I hope it will be safe until it's turning into a moth.


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chio88
Canada
Posts: 48
Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:40 am   Post subject:


Yaiks! I'm not much of a fan of a caterpillar. I think I better wait for it to be a butterfly Smile

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Netty


Regular Plants Contributor

Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 9955
Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:08 am   Post subject:


Eeewww! I'm not sure I'd like finding him on my plants! He reminds me of those Hornworms I find...they gross me out! But I know they turn into lovely moths so I leave them alone.

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GardenGuy
USA
Posts: 7
Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:19 pm   Post subject:


This is turning out to be a moth, not a butterfly, guys.

I have seen tomato hornworms which it also have a red horn but it is green in color. It's much scarier than this one in my opinion. Anyway, seeing these creatures is one of the delights of having gardening as a hobby. LOVE IT!

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