id please hawk moth caterpillar

[kennyb]

Guessing its a hawk moth caterpillar but am I right and what sort of hawk moth?

[Vince Massimo]

Hi Kenny,

Although there are several species that look similar and there is some variation within each species, I am sure this is the larva of an Eyed Hawk Moth. The food plant can sometimes help to narrow down the possible candidates and this species often rests upside down.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smerinthus_ocellatus for more information.

Vince

[FISHiEE]

I think the colour of the tail is the key for identification with these similar looking green ones with a blue tail for eyed hawk moth

[Pete Eeles]

I think the colour of the tail is the key for identification with these similar looking green ones with a blue tail for eyed hawk moth

Lime Hawk-moth also has a blue horn at the rear. But the food plant then gives them away - assuming they're not wandering around on the ground!

Cheers,

- Pete