Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1101079

Imperial moth
Eacles imperialis

Observation date: September 06, 2016
Submitted by: alwayscountry54
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I've never seen a caterpillar this large. When stretched out it's about 4 in. long and the diameter is probably about the size of a nickel or larger. Was found laying in the grass, not really near any plants other than the grass. This spots on it look similar to pics I've found of a bedstraw caterpillar but the head and rear don't really look the pics I've seen.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jamesdurbin
Verified date: October 27, 2016
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Iowa, Muscatine County