What is this large, colorful caterpillar?
This is the caterpillar of the banded sphinx moth, Eumorpha fasciatus. The banded sphinx moth is a close relative (in the same family, Sphingidae) as the tomato and tobacco hornworms and catalpa worms. The earlier larval stages have a prominent horn, like other hornworms, but the horn is greatly reduced or missing from later stages, as pictured above. Larvae coloration varies with differing proportions of green, yellow, pink, red, orange, white, and black. Banded sphinx moths’ host range includes primrose, grape, Virginia creeper, and magnolia. Read more about the banded sphinx moth here.
This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.
The South Carolina Grower 