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help to identify this monster caterpillar

garrinchasuperskillzgarrinchasuperskillz Posts: 69
in Plants
wasn't sure what category to place this question, but noticed this dude under my hydrangea this morning. I'd say it's 5 inches long, maybe an inch wide


Posts

  • garrinchasuperskillzgarrinchasuperskillz Posts: 69

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited July 2023
    Hawkmoth I'd guess. Present in some areas of the country, but not all, especially the hummingbird ones.
    I think it might be the privet one though, but someone will confirm  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • garrinchasuperskillzgarrinchasuperskillz Posts: 69
    done a bit more digging - and I'm pretty sure this is a privet hawk-moth. disgusting looking thing, that's for sure. stuff of nightmares!
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    I agree that it is a Privet hawk moth, although with slightly unusual colouring. Besides Privet, they also feed on Ash, Forsythia, Guelder-rose and Lilac.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    You can make a record for this on iRecord


    Although they are not classed as rare, in some parts of the country such as Derbyshire, there are very few records.  The resultant moth is quite beautiful.
  • garrinchasuperskillzgarrinchasuperskillz Posts: 69
    something has been nibbling away at my hydrangea over the last couple of months. taking big old chunks out of the leaves. many completely decimated. do we think these caterpillars could be the culprit? 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Its not listed as a food plant. The main food plant is privet.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/privet-hawk-moth

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