Catalpa Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

Description:

The Catalpa Sphinx (Ceratomia catalpae) is a hawk moth of the Sphingidae family. The larval stage spotted here is known as the Catalpa or Catawba Worm. When first hatching, the larvae are a very pale color, but become darker toward the last instars. The yellow caterpillars will usually have a dark, black stripe down their back along with black dots along their sides. There is also a "pale" phase where the black striping is not as prevalent or missing altogether and a shade of white has replaced it. They grow to a length of about 5 cm (2 in).

Habitat:

This catalpa worm was feeding on Southern Catalpa in Edgefield County, SC.

Notes:

They feed on the leaves of the Northern Catalpa and, more commonly, the Southern Catalpa, also known as Catawba or Indian Bean trees. They are highly desired by fishermen as bait.