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White-lined Sphinx Caterpillar

Hyles lineata

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32.1995, -110.968

Field Notes

Description:

This one is 6 centimeters long, and marked by green, yellow, black, and orange patterns on its body. Like the spotter, the spotted is barely waking up as the sun rises once more. (Important lesson learned thanks to the caterpillar: the spiked end is the rear end, NOT the head! Well, we all learn somehow right?) :)

Habitat:

It was found in my yard, on some lush green weeds.

Notes:

Notice the green head with dots, the spike/horn on the rear, and that incredible pattern on its body, marked by spots and designs courtesy of Mother Nature. Here is what the adult moth looks like: http://nitro.biosci.arizona.edu/zeeb/butterflies/figs/moths/Sphingidae/…
Furthermore, I have no idea why it was found in this pool of water. Ideas?

Reference Links:

EOL: Hyles lineata, Hyles lineata, Hyles lineata lineata

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Ivan Rodriguez
Sure thing, it's what I joined for; to show you what our environment has to offer and in turn learn from this grand community what else is out there! Couldn't ask for more. :)
Mark Ridgway
Excellent photos and good looking caterpillar - thanks.
Ivan Rodriguez
@textless: thank you!! They really are amazing little guys, makes you almost want to keep the weeds in your yard that they call home... almost. ;) @KarenL: wow, I can't argue with that -- looks to be exactly a Hyles lineata larvae. Thank you so much!
KarenL
Looks like a sphinx moth caterpillar. Maybe the white-lined sphinx (hyles lineata)?
textless
Really cool spotting, and a beautiful caterpillar!

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 23, 2011

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