Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

Mrs P was just watering the fuchsias in her window boxes when she saw a huge pair of eyes looking back at her.... we've never seen one of these before....

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

That monster would get through quite a few cabbages Barry.

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

I agree Alan, but apparently their preference is for fuchsias so my veg patch should be safe from him.... fingers crossed eh...

A better shot here taken by Mrs P when she first saw it in her trough...she thought it was a snake....

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

Wow what a strange creature wouldn't want to meet that on a dark night

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

I'd have wet myself..

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

I spotted one on my damp house wall a couple of weeks back...thinking it was a big slug, I was about to zap it when I realised it was a caterpillar.It measured just under 4 inches...and yes my garden is a mass of fuschias.

This is what it turns into..

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

What a beautiful creature.

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

Beautiful, I think you are lucky to find them. Not so lucky for the fuschias but the caterpillar and the moth are lovely.

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

As you say they are lovely as long as they don't eat your plants for flowers.
Stunning colours all the same

Re: Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

They are amazing, I agree.
Had two on my Lady Boothby, two years ago but the plant died and haven't seen any on other fuchsias, shame, I wouldn't mind sharing a plant or two.