Hi Cathy. That’s an elephant hawk moth caterpillar! We have had a couple here before, and the moths themselves are much prettier (they are pink!). Haven’t seen any this summer though.
I’ve never seen anything quite like that before… perhaps we don’t get the elephant hawk moth in Australia. We do have swarms of Bogong moths around Canberra, and they play havoc with the bright lights of Parliament House!
What a great capture. Why is it that the interesting caterpillars always turn out to be moths and often quite boring ones too? Nice to know this turns into a pretty hawk moth – thanks Cathy.
Curious looking caterpillar, it would be interesting to see the next stage in the life of this creature.
Looks like a Tersa Spinx to me. Nice capture.
What a fabulous find! It is such a strange looking beastie!
Hi Cathy. That’s an elephant hawk moth caterpillar! We have had a couple here before, and the moths themselves are much prettier (they are pink!). Haven’t seen any this summer though.
I’ve never seen anything quite like that before… perhaps we don’t get the elephant hawk moth in Australia. We do have swarms of Bogong moths around Canberra, and they play havoc with the bright lights of Parliament House!
The mind boggles at your Bogong moths!
What a great capture. Why is it that the interesting caterpillars always turn out to be moths and often quite boring ones too? Nice to know this turns into a pretty hawk moth – thanks Cathy.
I had to look it up though as I had no idea what it was!
I can’t quite decide if he is cute and cuddly or grotesque and scary. Fascinating either way.