Observation date: July 09, 2021
Submitted by: Bombyx-Aurelia
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: It was found crawling on the patio stones in the back yard. It likely fell from the grape vines above. It was green with a orangish-red bump on its anal segment. I asked someone from The Caterpillar Lab to identify it. They told me that it was in its fourth instar and preparing to molt. The following day, it had molted into the fifth instar, and it's appearance changed into the brown "wood-grain" pattern, and the little bump became a false eye. After this, the caterpillar became more offensive, thrashing and emitting a "bzzt" sound when disturbed. This type of behavour is supposed to mimic a snake.
Status: Resident
Verified by: curtis.lehman
Verified date: February 16, 2022
Coordinator notes: None.
