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Sphingid moth

Eumorpha phorbas

Photo by Les Catchick
Published on Project Noah
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-12, -69.4

Field Notes

Description:

Large caterpillars as in photo.
I assume it is of a moth but that may be wrong.

Habitat:

Remote primary rainforest at around 230 m.
Amazonian basin.

Notes:

See this blog: (as mentioned by Daniele)
http://caterpillar-eyespots.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/eumorpha-phorbas-cat…

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (16)
Les Catchick
Thanks Leuba, Felix and Leuba. There were many amazing unidentified insects seen on this trip. I just put a few up.
AntónioGinjaGinja
Awesome find Les,congrats on the well deserved SOTD and thanks for sharing
Leuba Ridgway
Amazing ! Congratulations and thank you for sharing this wonderful spotting with us.
DanielePralong
I'm glad we could put a name on these beauties Les! We have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook who do not necessarily visit our site here. The blog I referred to is from a reputable scientist specializing in caterpillar eyespots. To further help search engines, you can enter "Sphingid moth" under Common name rather than no common name. Looking forward to discover more treasures from you!
Les Catchick
Thank you all. Eumorpha phorbas final instar seem to me a great fit so thank you in particular to Daniele for finding that. I do not use Facebook but clearly it has been instrumental in finding that. Using the name I found a blog on Google images that appears to me to confirm that - given that anyone can write a blog.
Mark Ridgway
Wow !! Creepy and impressive. https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_HIbVlC3beechpS-1AjAkYPgIByLfje172Hws9-n20v5SyU25yEczQ50DtJSUrRV8zKp2DJFL7hjGH96nfmaxBpZnRfSbwXASU2Jt1c9raMG7SFhYAJEey1HguzmG68cX89q0
DanielePralong
http://caterpillar-eyespots.blogspot.ch/2013/06/an-eyespot-that-blinks.html
DanielePralong
Eumorpha phorbas has been suggested on our Facebook page and it looks very close to me. Maybe a different instar. https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159823421510603/?type=3&theater
DanielePralong
Congratulations Les, these two beauties are our Spotting of the Day: "These two visually stunning caterpillars are our Spotting of Day! Currently unidentified and sitting at the top of our trending page, they were spotted by Project Noah member Les Catchick in primary rain forest in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. Insects make up over 90% of species known from the Amazon. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are among the most notable insects in this region. The Amazon basin, particularly in mega-diverse Peru, hosts for example the highest level of butterfly diversity on the planet. Can you help with identification? Please share". Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159823421510603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/946530761217277952
Les Catchick
Thanks Maplemoth662, Sukanya and Daniele. I never expect IDs on such creatures but am amazed that sometimes people do find an ID.
DanielePralong
Visually stunning! I hope you get help soon with ID Les.

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Butterflies & Moths of the World

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PublishedDecember 27, 2017

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