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Unknown massive juicy caterpillar
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:41 pm
by ChrisG
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...
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:52 pm
by Pete Eeles
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
Thank you!
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 4:21 pm
by ChrisG
Thank you Pete, that was a quick answer.
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:17 pm
by eccles
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.
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:40 pm
by Pete Eeles
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
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 10:11 pm
by eccles
Could be worth helping it along then to watch for the emergence? The imago is a beautiful insect.
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 1:48 am
by Wayne
Wow its huge, does it turn into an elephant?
I would keep it and allow it to pupate.