Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1100403

Imperial moth
Eacles imperialis

Observation date: September 02, 2016
Submitted by: ktowles
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I had just rained. It was approx 89 degrees at 4pm. the caterpillar was near sweet potato vine which had been heavily eaten and coleus. The caterpillar was very sluggish and didn't move much. the caterpillar stayed in the same area for several hours. I was able to gently slide a thin sheet of paper under him and moved him out of plain sight under the plants so a bird or other animal didn't eat him. When I moved him he became more active and squirmed around. he rolled on his side when i put him in the new location but easily rolled himself to his upright position. (note 30 minutes later): caterpillar was on the move. Did not like hidden location. Made his way across the patio and found refuge under a hurricane door frame. He seemed to know where he was going.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: November 06, 2016
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Mississippi, Jackson County