www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Can anyone please have a stab at what this might be from a second hand description and no photo? I have trawled other sites without success. The cat was found recently on a plum tree, a citrus green colour mainly smooth with a few bumps on the body and a red spike protruding from the rear end. Now seems to be pupating with a white web around it. Sorry I have no other details and I realise that this must be a challenge but any ideas appreciated.

Hi Pauline,

If it has a spike at the rear end, my conclusion would be a Hawk-moth. Plain green could be either Poplar or Eyed Hawk-moth. Not so sure about the pupating in a tree though. It's a bit of a mystery that.

Denise

Mind you saying that, I have raised a Poplar Hawk-moth from an egg this year, and that too at one point went to the corner of the tub and made a small web.
It moulted two days later. A couple of weeks after that it went under ground, so perhaps that is what's happening.

Denise

Hi Denise

sorry if I misled you. She actually has it in a container now but what should she do next? Does it need soil? I did actually catch a glimpse of it myself but can only remember the contrast of the red spike and the light green body. Also it had a few little bumps along its back. I have looked again at the caterpillar sites and I am sure you are right but I can't find anything like how I remember it. Suppose we'll have to hope it survives to see what it turns into. Thanks for your speedy reply.

Hi Pauline.

Although not an exact match with your description, the nearest I can suggest is the Coxcomb Prominent. If it is, then it will want to pupate in the earth. See http://www.rowlhouse.co.uk/photos/Butte ... pillar.jpg.

Misha

Hi Pauline,

If it were me, I would do nothing but wait and see what the cat does. It might well pupate where it is, but if it does get on the move again, I would offer it food and earth. Let us know what happens.

Denise

Hi Misha

I am certain that it had only one very thin red spike on the rear end. I am now very intrigued and wish I had taken more notice. If it does re-emerge Denise I have told her to take a photo straight away! I will definitely let you know the outcome as you have both gone to some trouble to help with this one so many thanks to you both.