Caterpillar ID request - Wildlife Gardeners

CitraBenzoet · 06-25-2010, 01:28 PM

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

TimSaupe · 06-25-2010, 02:12 PM

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.

CitraBenzoet · 06-25-2010, 03:07 PM

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.

Equilibrium · 06-25-2010, 09:44 PM

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.

jpdenk · 06-26-2010, 07:35 AM

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

06-25-2010, 01:28 PM	#1
CitraBenzoet Grub Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Minnesota	Caterpillar ID request 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 Attached Thumbnails

06-25-2010, 02:12 PM	#2
TimSaupe Grub Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Fairfield Township, Ohio	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

06-25-2010, 09:44 PM	#4
Equilibrium Official Plant Nerd Join Date: Dec 2008	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. __________________ "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

06-26-2010, 07:35 AM	#5
jpdenk Heron Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tinley Park, Illinois, USA	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 __________________ Click here for an album of some of my nature photos.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-25-2010, 03:07 PM	#3
CitraBenzoet Grub Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Minnesota	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.