This is a 'Leafy Spurge Hawk Moth' caterpillar. It was introduced in the 60's to help control leafy spurge outbreaks, with little success from what I see of the leafy spurge! Anyhow, this colourful guy was humping across the park road as quick as his many legs would take him. I stopped, took his pic, and then helped him across the road. He was too cute to let him get squished! He was 3-4 inches long! When they are in their early development, the caterpillars are green with black and white spots. First time for me to see one of these!
Thanks for looking and commenting. Always appreciated.
Awesome capture and just in time. I went out tonight as I am waiting for the carpet to dry. I took a photo of the same thing! I actually had to go back to my car to change the lens. I will post mine for tomorrow!
@anden he moves to the right @bobhuegel that is a horn on his rump @northy sure did, they can't really do much damage with that and I couldn't let such a beautiful caterpillar get smushed on the road. Now if I had gone home and found out it was a harmful type I'd smush any future ones I saw, but it's not.
@bobhuegel that is a horn on his rump
@northy sure did, they can't really do much damage with that and I couldn't let such a beautiful caterpillar get smushed on the road. Now if I had gone home and found out it was a harmful type I'd smush any future ones I saw, but it's not.