Erebid Moth Larva

A wet-looking tar-like larva found starting to feed on the upper side of a leaf. When it perceived that it might be in danger, it began to contract and expand the front part of its body. It progressed in seconds from a larva form to a black lump that resembled some kind of excrement. It was about 2 cm in length, shiny without any projections or hairs and had scattered small spots in white, yellow and red. Family Erebidae (Noctuidae, subfamily Catocalinae).