Giant caterpillar

Giant caterpillar

Found this giant thing in my yard. I have not been able to identify it. It is about 3 1/2 inches long. Any thoughts?

Jesse123 Jesse123 ✉
Sep '16

Mothra

Roywhite Roywhite ✉
Sep '16

Ha ha!

Jesse123 Jesse123 ✉
Sep '16

Looks like Eacles Imperialis

http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20p?see=I_NAT2006&res=640&guide=Caterpillars&name=Eacles+imperialis

http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Eacles+imperialis


(Roy was right, they actually are colloquially known as Mothra...)

Mark Mc. Mark Mc. ✉
Sep '16

I hope you washed your hands carefully and thoroughly after handling it with warm soapy water. Some types of caterpillar hair can have nasty side effects, especially if you rub your eyes afterwards. Good thing it's not one of the stinging ones or you'd have a nasty rash.

Looks as though that will be quite a large moth in the end. Mothra indeed.

Phil D. Phil D. ✉
Sep '16

Thank you Mark Mc!!! That is it!!!

Jesse123 Jesse123 ✉
Sep '16

Mama mia!

I just saw an amazing giant insect exhibit at the Allentown Fair.

happiest girl
Sep '16

I found one too! I am trying to find out what they eat. Do you know?

catperson catperson ✉
Oct '17

Based on the size of the caterpillar itself, catperson, maybe small children?

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj ✉
Oct '17

It is an emperial moth caterpillar. They are out now looking for a place to hibernate/ pupate over the winter, they burrow in soft soil. You should let it go tomorrow when it is warm out so it can do its thing otherwise it won't survive. :-)

Jesse341 Jesse341 ✉
Oct '17

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