Agave worm

[Daniel Glaeske]

Schembari3 wrote:
> 
> I am an entomology student in N.Y and I am having a hard time finding the
>  scientific name of the Agave worm, the catepillar that comes in bottles of
>  Mezcal.
> 
> Any help, including the family it belongs to would be greatly appreciated.


It is Giant Skipper caterpiller, family (or subfamily) Megathymidae.  I
can't quite remember its full scientific name, but I believe the genus
is Aegiale.  I'm sure some other poster can provide the full name.  If
they don't, check James Scott's book on North American Butterlies on the
Megathyminae section.

Regards, 

Daniel