Unknown massive juicy caterpillar

ChrisG · Post by **ChrisG** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:41 pm

Greetings all,

I nearly stood on this chap when I was in the garden today. It sure is big, about 4 inches long when on the move. I have rescued him from the garden for the moment and I will let him go in a wood later.

Anyone know what he is?

I am worried he will make a snack for a bird when I let him go...

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:52 pm

Hi Chris,

This is the larva of the Elephant Hawkmoth. See

http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=240

It's probably been munching on your fuschias, unless you have any willowherb nearby!

Cheers,

- Pete

ChrisG · Post by **ChrisG** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 4:21 pm

Thank you Pete, that was a quick answer.

eccles · Post by **eccles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:17 pm

Does the last instar reach that size? I've heard that if they get infested with wasp larvae they go into munch-overload and just keep growing until the wasp emerges, killing the caterpillar.

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:40 pm

I believe they do grow this long. I suspect that this chap has finished feeding and is ready to pupate and was going for a wander looking for a pupation site.

Cheers,

- Pete

eccles · Post by **eccles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 10:11 pm

Could be worth helping it along then to watch for the emergence? The imago is a beautiful insect.

Wayne · Post by **Wayne** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 1:48 am

Wow its huge, does it turn into an elephant?

I would keep it and allow it to pupate.

Unknown massive juicy caterpillar

Unknown massive juicy caterpillar

Thank you!