Can you tell my what this is, please?!

CaptainSupernova · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 08:29 AM

I have never seen anything like this in my life! Well, apart from Attenborough's programmes about tropical insects getting it on, but I deffinitely wouldn't expect a caterpillar that big in my back garden!

Also, it tried to burry itself in my dried up turf, do you know why?

Here are the pictures, and an advanced thank you for you help!! Thank you!

It is british, or has it been brought over in a suitcase?

Goldfynche · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 08:31 AM

That looks like a 'Hawk moth' caterpillar, though exactly which one, I will leave to the experts.
Infact, having just 'Googled' It is a Privet Hawk moth caterpillar.

CaptainSupernova · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:01 AM

Thank you!!! Gosh, I didn't know we had such exotic looking creatures!

Thanks, again!

Goldfynche · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:04 AM

Oh yes! And if you think that the caterpillars are formidable. wait until you come across the adult moth.

CaptainSupernova · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:10 AM

Eep! Google images tell me I'd rather not come accross it! I thought a bat smacked into my bathroom window the other night, it was a giant moth. Embarrassing!

SpikyPhasmid · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:21 AM

It's burrowing because it wants to pupate.

CaptainSupernova · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:31 AM

Really? I thought they all liked hanging off trees! It was doing it near a nest I red ants (I only found them because of the caterpillar and I think they were carrying there eggs somewhere, which was weird to see at the surface!) Do you think it will be ok?

Thank you, by the way!

vole-woman · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:41 AM

How gorgeous! What a lucky spot. The moths themselves are really stunning.

Goldfynche · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:49 AM

Just before I finally retired, I took a part time job as a driver, for a well known (foreign) car dealer. Several times, we used to come in, in the mornings, and would, quite frequently, find a Privet Hawk moth resting on a car tyre. So we used to gently persuade them to accept a more natural post on a nearby shrub or bush.

SpikyPhasmid · #10 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSupernova

Really? I thought they all liked hanging off trees! It was doing it near a nest I red ants (I only found them because of the caterpillar and I think they were carrying there eggs somewhere, which was weird to see at the surface!) Do you think it will be ok?

Thank you, by the way!

I bought some of these caterpillars to raise, and until I learned about them I thought all caterpillars hang on trees as well - it turns out that some species like to dig down! My caterpillars also taught me that some moths pupate all winter.
I don't know if it will be ok. I hope so, but if not... well, ants have to survive too.