Frangipani Hawkmoth caterpillar (Pseudosphinx tetrio) is generally found in South America but is occasionally reported in Southern Texas and South Florida. The larvae of this species grow to a rather remarkable size and are very striking with their bright yellow bands, red heads, and mostly black bodies.
This particular specimen was brought to MOSI with a very peculiar problem. It has wandered around in the wrong part of a palm tree and had a head entirely encrusted with sticky palm sap and dirt. I did my best to clear away the mess but too much of the sap had gotten inside the larvae’s mouth and he was not able to eat and finish his journey as a caterpillar.
These caterpillars feed on Frangipani (Plumeria rubra), other Plumeria species and Allamanda species. The larvae are gregarious feeders for the first several instars and can quickly defoliate a plumeria plant in just a few days. Younger caterpillars change dramatically in color with several color forms including one that is mostly yellow with black spots running down the back.
The adult moth is equally large with a wingspan of 5 to 5 1/2 inches and is a mottled brown in color. Like other sphinx moths it can be sighted around dusk nectaring on flowers like periwinkle (Vinca rosea).
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ReplyDeleteHow is your new friend doing? I enjoyed meeting it. I hope it makes a pupa soon.
ReplyDeleteWe just found one of these fellows and brought it home. Any advice on how to take care of it? Also, there were probably 15 or 20 feeding on the same tree, which had no leafs left. Can the be fed something else?
ReplyDeleteSergio,
ReplyDeleteYou can feed them Plumeria or Allamanda. You can find allamanda at most garden centers this time of year.
After about a week it went underground and begun its transformation.
ReplyDeleteCheck it in http://picasaweb.google.com/sfreue/Wildlife#5477164825192829890
Any advise on how to help it through it?
Hello,
ReplyDeleteCan you hold these without any bites, stings, or problems?Do they like to be held?
Hi Richard. These caterpillars are not toxic and do not bite or sting. I don't know that caterpillars think too much of being held or not held, mostly they just want to eat.
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