Saturday 5 August 2017

Giant what?

Hi Val

Can anyone identify this giant caterpillar please. I don't think it's the giant emperor moth because of its smooth skin. When the dogs first found it I think it was much bigger, sausage size, but had shrunk as it moved away! Can it do that to scare away predators?

Over to tagland for answers.
Jill W 

I identified it for you, but you are not in South Africa ......  Oh and I would let it be, if there is only one. Just imagine what an amazing moth it will turn out to be. https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2009/01/13/deaths-head-hawkmoth-caterpillar-from-south-africa/
Elly
Fred says they are sometimes found here and prefer hot countries'