A White-lined Sphinx Moth caterpillar found in the Joppa Preserve, Great Trinity Forest in Dallas, Texas.
Observation Details
| County | – | Dallas |
|
| City | – | Dallas | |
| Date | – | May 13, 2012 | |
| Time of Day | – | Noon | |
| Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
| Weather | – | Clear | |
| Habitat | – | Recreation-Park | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Roaming | |
| Gender | – | Uncertain | |
| Maturity | – | Larva | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson |
we live in the Texas Panhandle and our 2acre ranch is covered with these. theres these “plants” or weeds that have red rubbery stems and these things go to town on them. so far my son has collected over 10of them in a 20foot radius. he wants to keep them as pets but I’m not sure if that red/orange ‘stinger’ is poisonous or not.
I believe the horn is ornamental and is not a stinger. Reportedly, these caterpillars are harmless to people.
I found one of these at full maturity( 1and 1/4 in. in length) on March 18th, 2014, in Kaufman, TX. It was found near 3:00 a.m. on my back porch by my light source after a day of rain.These are strange but beautiful creatures. I noticed the black and white stripes and the pink stripe near the body on the bottom of the wings. Next I notice their magnificent eyes!! The style of flying is unique and mimics a hummingbird but appears as if it has an eagle face. Truly amazing experience.
I love these moths! They are very cool. Thanks for the report, Brenna!
My evergreens are full of them and they’re eating all the leaves