Thanks to Sandi – this is the larva for the Pandorus Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha pandorus)
Yesterday I was weeding in the garden and found this caterpillar on the Bee Balm plant. I’d not seen this kind before and at first thought it was the Tomato Hornworm. I looked in the books I have and he was not in them. So I’m asking you if you know what he is.
He’s a fat one and fairly big…
He pulls his head back inside all these rolls when touched.
This is what he looks like on the move…
A dot on his back-end…sorry the picture’s a little fuzzy.
Oh! And such pudgy little legs!
Pleading with me to please take the camera out of his face and let him go…
I love those little sucker feet. Remind me of magnets when they hook together.
So, if anyone can send some info my way, I’d really appreciate it! I know there are some avid bug enthusiasts out there 🙂
I’m pretty sure that is a Palamedes Swallowtail!!
I don’t know what kind he is but he is gorgeous and I want one!
NS
Another FB friend of the farm found out for me.
It’s a Eumorpha Pandorus http://www.dallasbutterflies.com/Moths/Larva/Eumorpha%20pandorus.htm Will turn into a Pandorus Sphinx Moth http://elmostreport.blogspot.com/2008/08/pandorus-sphinx-moth-eumorpha-pandorus.html
I am in love with these photos! Well Done!
I believe that it is a horn worm that you found. Some people will grow beebalm near their tomato plants to keep them from attacking the tomatoes. I grow beebalm as well and am having a problem with what I think are cabbage moth caterpillars which are destroying the flower heads. This is three years in a row now and I wish I knew how to be rid of them permanently.
It’s actually a Pandorus Sphinx http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Caterpillars
It is a Pandorus Sphinx caterpillar. It will turn into a moth. It will eat your plants in order to store energy to transform to a moth.