Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Caterpillars, on penta
Question:	I zapped a few photos of a caterpillar that a client submitted yesterday. It appears to be a type of hornworm (sphinx moth) and was chewing on pentas. Its head will retract when disturbed and it has beautiful eyespots. Although you can probably ID from just one JPEG, I am sending a few different angles.
Answer:	This is Xylophanes tersa, a common moth on penta in Texas. Look for a caterpillar image at the link below.
Related Link:
Related Link:
Image Link: **	http://insects.tamu.edu/images/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/sphingidae/xylophanes_tersa_larva_dorsal_m_07.jpg
Response by:	Michael Merchant, Ph.D.
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.