Giant Sphinx Moth Caterpillar
Cocytius antaeus
10.2147, -84.6888
Field Notes
Description:
Mature caterpillars are large ( 20.81 g) and have a horn at the rear end. In the last instars, larvae are uniform green with a dark purple center back line and a very sharp white posterior side slash with some dark green on both sides.
Habitat:
Females deposit eggs singly on leaves of various species of the family Annonaceae. This one was found in a Annona muricata tree.
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Distribution: From Brazil through Central America and into the southern parts of California, Texas, and Florida in the United States.
Notes:
Moths emerge approximately 30 days after larvae pupate underground.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedMay 21, 2018
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