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#1 |
Grub
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Minnesota
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I just found this caterpillar on the edge of my property. It was on some Catchweed. Not sure what it is. Any ideas?
I thought it looked like Spurge hawkmoth but it says its from western europe spain/portugal area. Reading further on i see its been introduced to Canada to help control weeds. So i guess it could be down here in MN This thing is huge at least 3 inches long |
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#2 |
Grub
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Fairfield Township, Ohio
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After glancing at bugguide.net I would agree with your ID on this one - beautiful caterpillar!
Seems this bugger was introduced into the US in 1965 as a biological agent against leafy spurge. It is native to Europe and looks to be spreading east into your area. Last edited by TimSaupe; 06-25-2010 at 02:15 PM. Reason: more info |
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#3 |
Grub
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Minnesota
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should i leave it be or should i remove it from the natural world? I wouldnt mind if it ate all the invasive spurge in the area.
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#4 |
Official Plant Nerd
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Quick check and the only thing close I can find is, Hyles dahlii, Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa. Here's some other possibilities but I think you nailed it, Hyles euphorbiae euphorbiae. We do have some Euphorbia that's native, PLANTS Profile for Euphorbia (spurge) | USDA PLANTS. It prefers non-native Euphorbia and there's plenty of that around so I'd leave it alone.
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#5 |
Heron
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Tinley Park, Illinois, USA
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That species of moth was introduced into the US deliberately in an attempt at controlling Leafy Spurge, Euphorbia esula, which is a horribly invasive European Euphorbia that is causing big problems in the US. If you're unlucky enough to have some Leafy Spurge growing near you, put the caterpillar on it.
Click here for info. John |
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caterpillar, request |
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