what is it?

[Martin Honey]

Dear Frantic Momma

You do not mention the colour of the larva but from the rest of the
description it sounds like the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawkmoth (there
are pictures at:
<http://www.stroucov.freeserve.co.uk/hawkmoths.htm>). The eye-spots are
actually on the thoracic segments which contract to make it look as if it
has a large head. It occurs in two colour forms, one green and the other
brown. It normally feeds on Rosebay Willow-herb but also has a liking for
garden Fuchsia. If it was on the ground it is probably fully grown and
about to pupate, which it does in a chamber underground. The adult moth is
stunning, bright pink and greenish, rather like the colours of its two
foodplants.

Hope this helps

Martin
***********************************************************
Martin R. Honey CBiol MIBiol, Lead Curator (Moths)
Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, Great Britain
EMAIL:     M.Honey at nhm.ac.uk
Museum web page <http://www.nhm.ac.uk>

TELEPHONE: 020 7942 5604     International: 44 20 7942 5604
FAX:       020 7942 5229     International: 44 20 7942 5229
***********************************************************


 
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