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Manduca rustica
I would really like some help identifying this caterpillar. I was thinking that it might be a Tobacco Hornworm or Tomato Hornworm, but the spikes on its head and horn aren't like either of those. Updated 9.21.12 as Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar, Manduca rustica.
Perhaps instead of moving on, it has pupated. Try looking for a small hole within a ten foot radius of the plant you found it feeding on. If you do see a small hole, gently dig up to 12 inches down for a cocoon. You can bring the cocoon inside in a mason jar or similar and then but about 3-4 inches of dirt in and make a similar appearance of where it had pupated. Then, you could see it emerge in the spring!
And also, Argy Bee, lightworkerpeace, and nexttogone, thank you for the comments!
Fyn.K, I'm not sure what the small shrub is called where I found it resting. Those bushes look nothing like any of the plants they have listed as a food source on bugguide.net. I do believe that your ID is correct, so I'll update the info. Thank you so, so much, Fyn.K and J, for the help! After photographing it, I returned it to where I found it. I checked back today & it has moved on. Thanks again!
Try looking at the caterpillars on this page, I think it might be a Rustic Sphinx - Manduca rustica. Also, What kind of plant was it eating?
http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.ed...
Spotted on Sep 19, 2012
Submitted on Sep 20, 2012
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