Peter Blenkiron spotted this splendid caterpillar. You can see a tiny 'horn' at its rear end, which shows it is a hawk moth caterpillar. The distinctive white and purple stripes and the shiny black horn are clues that it is a Privet Hawk Moth.
It is pretty well grown and so is probably looking for an underground retreat to pupate in for the winter survival test.
It is pretty well grown and so is probably looking for an underground retreat to pupate in for the winter survival test.
A few years ago I saw two teenage lads looking worriedly at one of these on a path. They wanted to save it from being trodden on but were apprehensive because of the horn. It looked like a sting - which it is not. All four of us were relieved to get this sorted.
The most dapper of caterpillars!
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