Achemon Spinx Moth Caterpillar

Description:

Larvae are large, cylindrical, without noticeable hairs. Several color variations exist (pale brown to dark green, purple-brown). They have white diagonal elongated/segmented spiracles from A3 to A7. "Horn" on tail end is lost after the fourth instar. Pupates in burrows in the soil.

Habitat:

These caterpillars feed on grape (Vitis sp.) and Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus), Ampelopsis, in addition to some other vines.

Notes:

First described in 1773 by Dru Drury as Sphinx achemon (Eumorpha achemon). The achemon sphinx caterpillar is a type of hornworm. This particular species loses the caudal horn after the 4th instar. The "caudal bump" (which resembles an eye) is all that remains after the horn disappears. According to Wikipedia, Basalas and Achemon characters in Greek mythology. The brothers were forest creatures known as Cercopes who roamed the world, showing up wherever mischief was afoot.