Observation date: July 10, 2013
Submitted by: Ananke
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found on pavement near the brick of our house after mowing the lawn. Seemed to be looking for shade, or a way to get out of the hot sun. Was about 95℉. Nearest plants aside from the grass are a lilac bush and a container of a young planting of a butterfly seed mix without any blooms.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: July 10, 2013
Coordinator notes: The shape and markings of the horn on the end, along with the body shape and markings, lead me to believe this is Ceratomia hageni, a species whose larva feed on Osage Orange. t may have strayed from a nearby field or woods if you do not have this tree in your yard. This caterpillar appears to be in its last stage, probably searching for a place to pupate. It needs several inches of soil to burrow down into, where it will form an underground chamber, shed its skin, to form the pupa. Several weeks from then, the adult will emerge, burrow to the top, find a branch to spread its wings, and fly off.
