Caterpillar ID Help

Diamondyes33 · #1 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 11:36 PM

Hi, I came accross this large caterpillar whilst out walking in Norfolk. It was about 3-4 inches long and hairless, it has a single black horn at its tail end. I have tried to search online but cannot find anything which resembles it? Can anyone help me identify it please...

Sorry the pictures don't look too good in low res!

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 29-10-2009, 12:02 AM

Just a guess - Death's head hawk moth?

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 29-10-2009, 06:40 AM

Maybe Pine Hawkmoth

charlieb · #4 (**permalink**) 29-10-2009, 10:16 AM

It's a Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli - UKMoths) - a migrant. The Norfolk county recorder would be interested in this, see Norfolk Moths - The macro and micro moths of Norfolk.

Diamondyes33 · #5 (**permalink**) 30-10-2009, 11:52 PM

I'm not sure that it is a convolvulus hawk moth as the horn was very black and the body was much darker? I found another picture of the same coloured caterpillar on the net, (the ony one I have found so far which was the same colour and markings) and it was found in Texas but unidentified so still not sure what it is?
Thank you all for responding though

I have informed the Norfolk County Recorder and await their reply.

clicka15 · #6 (**permalink**) 31-10-2009, 06:59 PM

I have to agree with Charlie B - this definitely a Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli). This is a regular migrant species; the larvae feed on bindweed species, including Field Bindweed.

This is a rare wild encounter and your County Recorder should be pleased with the record. A great one to tick off!

Best wishes,
Steve.

Diamondyes33 · #7 (**permalink**) 31-10-2009, 09:14 PM

Thanks everyone, ok now I'm convinced

I've been told by the NCR that it is a convolvulus hawk moth & it's about to pupate, hence the darker colour! There has not been a larva recorded in Norfolk since 2003 so it was a great find!!