Catalpa Sphinx Moth Larvae

Description:

The catalpa sphinx is a hawk moth that only feeds on catalpa trees. The larvae are known colloquially as catalpa or catawba worms, and are prized by fishermen. The adult moth lays eggs on the catalpa tree leaves- when they hatch the larvae feed on the leaves, often stripping the tree bare. When they are mature the larvae drop to the ground and bury themselves to pupate into adult moths. They may complete this cycle a few times a year in the south, but the last generation remains underground over the winter.

Notes:

2nd photo shows parasitic wasp larvae on the caterpillar.