Can someone please help me identify this caterpillar?

Ritu · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 01:53 AM

Hi everyone,
I found this caterpillar (

) on my patio this morning. I have no idea what it is, and what leaves does it eat. Can someone please help? This is urgent, as it might be starving now, I do not know.

I am in Guwahati, North Eastern region of India. I know this is a UK forum, but I cound not find a similar Indian forum, hence posting here.

Regards,
Ritu

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 11:40 AM

It is similar in form to our hawk moths larva. I should look around and see what plants and leaves are near and give it some of each to choose from! It could be nearing pupation and looking for somewhere to hide. Another member may have a better idea.

Ritu · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 01:16 PM

Thank you, Hedera. I did put a few leaves from several plants around the house, but I found it on the patio where there are no plants, so it is difficult to determine. It has not eaten anything in the last 10 hrs, I am hoping it is near pupation and not really looking to eat any more.

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 12:12 PM

Afternoon Ritu, and welcome to WAB

I've found a page with a very similar-looking caterpillar to yours with two sugested IDs, the Sphinx Moth and Oleander Hawkmoth. Maybe the first is the better option.

Hornworm from India is Oleander Hawkmoth | What's That Bug?

As it says in the link, it is likely ready to pupate - it will therefor need bare earth.

Take care,

Jason

Ritu · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 01:09 PM

Hi Jason,
Yes, this is the caterpillar whose name I was looking for. Unfortunately, I did not provide any soil for it to pupate, I can see it tried to make a cocoon with the leaves I provided in the bottle. I will pour some soil over it, hope it is not too late.

Isn't it a beautiful creature? The two black spots look like real eyes!

Thanks again!
Ritu

aeshna5 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Afternoon Ritu, and welcome to WAB

I've found a page with a very similar-looking caterpillar to yours with two sugested IDs, the Sphinx Moth and Oleander Hawkmoth. Maybe the first is the better option.

Hornworm from India is Oleander Hawkmoth | What's That Bug?

As it says in the link, it is likely ready to pupate - it will therefor need bare earth.

Take care,

Jason

Sphinx moth is a generic term, used primarily in US, for sphingids or hawkmoths, but certainly seems to be in the right area!