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The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

West Somerset, England

I found this fella outside the greenhouse - he's been munching something to get this size - about 2" long - but does anybody know what kind of caterpillar he is please?




Answers

 

I think it might be a poplar hawk moth

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=429

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1981

5 Oct, 2008

 

Wow, it's very pretty, isn't it Spritz !

5 Oct, 2008

 

He would make a very attractive pendant!

5 Oct, 2008

 

Hi I thought you might like the look of the caterpillar I found!! Look at snowdrops pic

5 Oct, 2008

lyd
Lyd
 

it looks like a greedy caterpillar to me lol

5 Oct, 2008

 

Interesting if he is a Poplar etc etc. I have Poplar trees in the garden! So I might find more like him - and make a necklace maybe? LOL.

5 Oct, 2008

 

Haha! It would be a wriggling necklace...ewww!

5 Oct, 2008

 

Agree with Jess re - hawk moth but they very specific to what they feed on ie poplar privet honeysuckle fuschia etc so if you know what hes been munching might help narrow it down.Rather hoping hes been munching your honeysuckle as could be Bee hawk moth , which rare but making a comeback in the south west .

6 Oct, 2008

 

Spritz ~
Only you would invent a caterpillar necklace.
I've missed you.
Welcome back. :o)

6 Oct, 2008

 

Thanks TT. Sadly, this particular caterpillar went for a swim in the stream as Henry was about to munch on HIM! I will keep my eyes open and save any more I find from a watery fate. No, BB, I haven't seen any eaten leaves on my Honeysuckle or Fuchsias, and the Poplars are a bit too high up to inspect!!!!!

6 Oct, 2008

 

Yes it looks like a type of Hawkmoth Spritz as it has the false 'eyes' on its back to deter potential predators. The false eyes are a common marking on the Hawkmoths.

6 Oct, 2008

 

I think it is a Privet Hawk Moth Caterpillar. See if you can keep it in a tank or something with peat on floor to bury itself when turning into chrysalis and then next year see that beautiful Moth when it emerges. You need to check timings with details of the Moth.

6 Oct, 2008

 

So hard to tell Poaannua as they all pretty similar if only we could find what it eats then we d know for sure as each variety very selective.

6 Oct, 2008

 

Well done Spritz, who would have thought a caterpillar good generate 14 replies!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!

7 Oct, 2008

 

Sixteen replies now....
I wonder what Spritz bought with her 2p coin. :o)

7 Oct, 2008

 

Wow its such a Lovely Colour Spritz :)Iv found loads of different Caterpillars in my garden this yr which im plezed about but iv not found any of these yet :( Great Find Spritz shame Henry liked&wanted it 2:)lol

7 Oct, 2008

 

I had to borrow the 2p from my husband! :-( I feel sorry now that the caterpillar went for a swim but I couldn't risk Henry eating it and perhaps reacting badly, now could I?

7 Oct, 2008

 

Depends what caterpillar turns into Spritz,Henry might have mastered the butterfly stroke.

8 Oct, 2008

 

Cluelesskev is doing the doggie paddle on Mikec's blog.:o)

8 Oct, 2008

 

HAHA to both of you - BB and TT!!!!

8 Oct, 2008

How do I say thanks?

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