“Are you able to identify these?” is all Carol asks in her submission regarding the beautiful, black worm-like critters pictured below. This is definitely one of the best photos we have received in a while. It captures in such detail the unique appearance of these creatures: their pattern of white polka dots and yellow markings, the long red stripe that runs the length of its back, and the horn sticking out from the rear end of its body. Typically, it is still difficult to identify some organisms without more context, even if the photo is good, but this photo is so clear that we managed to identify these guys with no context. These are leafy spurge hawk moth caterpillars!

Quite the mouth full, we know. Leafy spurge hawk moth caterpillars are, as the name suggests, a species of hawk moth. Otherwise known as sphinx moths, hawk moths are an entire family of moth species that all share similar traits: big bodies, thick fur, and their appetite for nectar. In fact, some species of hawk moths are mistaken for hummingbirds when they feed on flowers. This isn’t only due to their size but also their ability to hover in mid air just like a hummingbird, as well as the appendage they use to eat the nectar that resembles a hummingbird’s beak.

Now, unlike their adult counterparts, hawk moth caterpillars do not feed on nectar. Hawk moth caterpillars are typically picky eaters, and, unlike many other species of caterpillar, will stick to just one or two sources of food. In the case of the leafy spurge hawk moth caterpillar, it is named after the plant it feeds on: the leafy spurge. Since the adult moths can lay up to 150 eggs at one time, caterpillar invasions can cause significant damage to leafy spurge plants, but, since this plant is considered a weed, this is not largely seen as a problem. In any case, Carol should count herself lucky for finding these beautiful caterpillars, and she need not worry for her health or safety: these caterpillars are harmless.

To conclude, the worm-like critters Carol found are leafy spurge hawk moth caterpillars. We thank her for sending us this beautiful photo, we hope that we have been helpful, and we wish her the very best!

Summary

Article Name

Red-striped Worms with Horns are Leafy Spurge Hawk Moth Caterpillars

Description

"Are you able to identify these?" is all Carol asks in her submission regarding the beautiful, black worm-like critters pictured below. This is definitely one of the best photos we have received in a while. It captures in such detail the unique appearance of these creatures: their pattern of white polka dots and yellow markings, the long red stripe that runs the length of its back, and the horn sticking out from the rear end of its body. Typically, it is still difficult to identify some organisms without more context, even if the photo is good, but this photo is so clear that we managed to identify these guys with no context. These are leafy spurge hawk moth caterpillars!

Author

Worm Researcher Anton