Droopy
Slug Slaughterer
Joined: 11 Aug 2007
Location: Western Norway (Map)
Posts: 4817
PlantStew: 5804 |
| 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.
_________________
The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
-Bertrand Russell
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Frank
Happy Gardening
 Administrator
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Posts: 9420
PlantStew: 1581 |
| Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:53 am Post subject: |
|
Talk about a juicy meal for a bird  I'd be very interested to see the butterfly that comes about from that.
_________________
PlantStew is new and needs your help, please contribute what you can. It will benefit members and visitors alike.
Thanks! 
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Sjoerd
Enlightened One
Joined: 11 Apr 2006
Location: West - Friesland
Posts: 2580
PlantStew: 93 |
|
| Back to top |
|
playtime8978
On The Way Up
Joined: 18 Jul 2008
Location: blackpool england
Posts: 227
PlantStew: 10 |
| 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!
_________________
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ~Mirabel Osler
|
|
| Back to top |
|
eileen
Moderator & Resident Taxonomist
Moderator
Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Location: Scotland (Map)
Posts: 11532
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:10 am Post subject: |
|
Mother Nature produces the most bizarre and wonderful creatures doesn't she? 
_________________
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Sherry8
I Love Birds!
Joined: 06 Nov 2007
Location: Wisconsin...zone 4 (Map)
Posts: 1057
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:52 am Post subject: |
|
That picture is so great...I loved the spots...thanks for posting..Sherry
_________________
|
|
| Back to top |
|
kaseylib
Showing Great Promise
Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 633
|
| 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!
_________________
The more you read, the more you know.
The more you know, the smarter you grow.
The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice when speaking your mind or making a choice.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
glendann
Official Garden Angel
Joined: 19 May 2006
Location: Texas (Map)
Posts: 7003
PlantStew: 219 |
| 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.
_________________
Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Droopy
Slug Slaughterer
Joined: 11 Aug 2007
Location: Western Norway (Map)
Posts: 4817
PlantStew: 5804 |
| 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.  We put it carefully away, and I hope it will be safe until it's turning into a moth.
_________________
The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
-Bertrand Russell
|
|
| Back to top |
|
chio88
Just Arrived
Joined: 06 Oct 2008
Location: 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
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Netty
Chaotic Gardener
Joined: 04 Nov 2006
Location: Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 4751
PlantStew: 5038 |
| 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.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
GardenGuy
Just Arrived
Joined: 13 Oct 2008
Location: 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!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bookmark us 
Subscribe
