Big green caterpillar - Ask Extension
Hi! This guy showed up in our backyard today. He wasn’t moving, but was gripping the pine straw tightly. I moved him into my fireweed stand, but wou...
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Big green caterpillar #876020
Asked July 05, 2024, 3:38 PM EDT
Hi! This guy showed up in our backyard today. He wasn’t moving, but was gripping the pine straw tightly. I moved him into my fireweed stand, but would like to know what he likes to eat. I did a brief online image search but couldn’t find him. Any help is appreciated. I volunteer with Pollinator Pathway and have mostly native plants and no insecticides. That shiny thing is a quarter.
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Robin:
This is the caterpillar of the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata), otherwise known as the hummingbird moth. That is a beautiful specimen you have visiting you...
Here is some additional information on this species, including what they like to eat:
White Lined Sphinx Moth
Enjoy,
This is the caterpillar of the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata), otherwise known as the hummingbird moth. That is a beautiful specimen you have visiting you...
Here is some additional information on this species, including what they like to eat:
White Lined Sphinx Moth
Enjoy,
Thank you so much, Cristi! I have the adults in my yard frequently, feeding on my Palmer’s penstemon and other flowers. I hope this one got himself buried underground so he can pupate successfully. So good to know!
Thanks again!
Robin
You're Welcome!