Help me identify this caterpillar?

z0mbee · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 02:12 PM

Hi all - first post here, so go easy on me!

I just found this rather large fellow in our dining room, being pestered by one of my cats. I've taken him outside and put him out of reach of them, but I wondered if anyone could tell me what he is? My wife and I have never seen one this big, and a bit of Googling has drawn a blank.

For scale - the envelope is A5 size. Thanks in advance!

GuyF · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 02:16 PM

Hi and welcome to the site!
That is the caterpillar of the Privet Hawkmoth - Sphinx ligustri, very impressive as you've seen! The adult is the largest resident moth species in Britain.
Guy

z0mbee · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 02:32 PM

Hi Guy,

Thanks very much for the quick answer! I've read up on it a bit more and am relieved to hear that they are relatively harmless - the thrashing it performed on the envelope suggested otherwise :/

Gary