Hawk Moth caterpillar?

jezlee · #1 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 11:26 AM

Hello all - just photographed this on my back lawn - does anyone know if is it one of the Hawk Moths?

NickCantle · #2 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 11:27 AM

Looks like an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar!

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 11:43 AM

It is indeed an Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar

jezlee · #4 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 12:14 PM

Thanks for the confirmation, people. If I wanted to have a go at rearing an adult, (a) what would my chances be, and (b) if it's possible, what would be the foodplant to use?

Anders152 · #5 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 09:44 PM

They eat willowherb and bedstraw in the wild but love fuschias if you have any in your garden. Try it with some to see if it eats (they feed at night), if it doesn't it might be because it's time for it to pupate. I would put it in some sort of container with a good amount of soil at the bottom with some fuschia in it too so it can bury itself if it's that time. There are loads of threads on here about this subject which would be really helpful to you also! Good luck...they're beautiful moths, though I think you have to wait till next year to see it emerge.