help identify caterpillar!!

mantisdragon
Junior Member

Posts: 38

help identify caterpillar!! Jun 17, 2015 14:01:04 GMT -8

Quote

Post by mantisdragon on Jun 17, 2015 14:01:04 GMT -8

hello, I found this caterpillar on the sidewalk. It is about 2 and a half inches long. When I picked it up it wiggled around rather crazily. Underneath it has dark brown almost redish blotches. Does anyone know what kind of caterpillar it is? Also what does it eat? I would like to keep it alive so it can cocoon and turn into an adult.

Location is Maryland, near Annapolis.

[img src="i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t512/Dragonfly_64/DSCN8961_zpswtnondzq.jpg" src="" alt=" "]

[img src="i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t512/Dragonfly_64/DSCN8960_zpsweqm6of0.jpg" src="" alt=" "]

[img src="i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t512/Dragonfly_64/DSCN8954_zpsjmxauxxu.jpg" src="" alt=" "]

Last Edit: Jun 17, 2015 14:02:39 GMT -8 by mantisdragon

oehlkew
Senior Member

Posts: 477

help identify caterpillar!! Jun 17, 2015 14:41:24 GMT -8

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Post by oehlkew on Jun 17, 2015 14:41:24 GMT -8

It appears to be a mature Catocala (underwing moth) larva. might even be Catocala ilia. They usually feed on oak. If you put it in a glass jar with a couple of leaves, it will probably fashion a very flimsy cocoon out of a few silk threads and the leaves, and then will yield a moth in about 3-4 weeks. I am pretty sure it is done feeding.
Bill Oehlke
Hope you will post picture of the moth when it emerges. The thrashing about is also typical of Catocala larvae.

mantisdragon Junior Member Posts: 38	help identify caterpillar!! Jul 4, 2015 8:06:43 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by mantisdragon on Jul 4, 2015 8:06:43 GMT -8 I will post some pics when it emerges.

Post by mantisdragon on Jun 17, 2015 14:01:04 GMT -8

Post by oehlkew on Jun 17, 2015 14:41:24 GMT -8

Post by mantisdragon on Jul 4, 2015 8:06:43 GMT -8