This is the larva of the Walnut sphinx, Amorpha juglandis, crawling about looking for a place to pupate. I've seen the adults around the garden, but we still don't have any walnuts or beeches. I'm betting on pecan as a host.
How exciting! I love the unusual moths. Unfortunately, when I see them all I ever have on hand is a cell phone camera. By the way, love your blog. "Clean" and "rich" are two words I would use to describe it and your yard. It's hard to bring those two adjectives together in the same setting, but you manage to do it.
Hey Abbey. Thanks a lot for the compliment and for introducing me to your blog. You've got some great stuff going on down there in San Antone and I look forward to watching from afar...
This cat is really pink! Most hornworms take on a reddish/pinkish hue when ready to pupate. Note even just the slight hint of red in your top pic of the walnut sphinx on the ground.
Yes, Amorpha juglandis LOVES pecans! In east Texas, they're common on our hickories. Any member of the hickory family, will happily support these amazing hissing hornworms.
How exciting! I love the unusual moths. Unfortunately, when I see them all I ever have on hand is a cell phone camera.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, love your blog. "Clean" and "rich" are two words I would use to describe it and your yard. It's hard to bring those two adjectives together in the same setting, but you manage to do it.
Hey Abbey. Thanks a lot for the compliment and for introducing me to your blog. You've got some great stuff going on down there in San Antone and I look forward to watching from afar...
ReplyDeleteThis cat is really pink! Most hornworms take on a reddish/pinkish hue when ready to pupate. Note even just the slight hint of red in your top pic of the walnut sphinx on the ground.
ReplyDeleteYes, Amorpha juglandis LOVES pecans! In east Texas, they're common on our hickories. Any member of the hickory family, will happily support these amazing hissing hornworms.