OT: anyone recognize this catipillar?

[rober]

spotted it crawling down the trunk of an oak tree. when it stretches out it's the size of my index finger.

[sc-bee]

Looks like a Luna Moth to me...

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=luna+moth+caterpillar&qpvt=luna+moth+caterpilla&FORM=IGRE

[LaurieBee]

They are very beautiful moths.

[BeeMaster2]

And very large also.
Jim

[BlueBee]

Come on conservative beeks, you’re batting 0% as usual! 

Rober you’re looking at the 5th (and final) caterpillar instar of a native silk moth, but NOT a luna moth.  Luna’s don’t typically feed on Oak.  How would I know?  Well, I’ve raised a few in captivity over the years. 

Tub of 5th instar luna caterpillers.   



Close up right before they spin a cocoon for the winter.  They almost look dead as they turn a strange auburn color in the fall.

[rober]

I haven't seen a luna since I was 10 years old. i searched spinx moth & when the images came up there was a separate  list to the side. looking thru the list i think I've found it. it's looks to be a polyphemus moth. i put it in a jar with some leafy twigs & this morning it had cocooned itself so i guess i'll find out for sure in the spring. last year i did the same & had a pair of swallowtails hatch. here's what i might have....

[Intheswamp]

Come on conservative beeks, you’re batting 0% as usual!  

Rober you’re looking at the 5th (and final) caterpillar instar of a native silk moth, but NOT a luna moth.  Luna’s don’t typically feed on Oak.  How would I know?  Well, I’ve raised a few in captivity over the years.  

Ok, blue caterpillar farmer, I'm waiting for your photo tutorial on this...that is interesting.  :-D

Ed  

Btw, the box of caterpillars are showing up strangely on my monitor...hey look!!!!...a red one trying to get out of there!!!!!!!

[sc-bee]

Come on conservative beeks, you’re batting 0% as usual!  

Rober you’re looking at the 5th (and final) caterpillar instar of a native silk moth, but NOT a luna moth.  Luna’s don’t typically feed on Oak.  How would I know?  Well, I’ve raised a few in captivity over the years.  

Ok, blue caterpillar farmer, I'm waiting for your photo tutorial on this...that is interesting.  :-D

Ed  

Btw, the box of caterpillars are showing up strangely on my monitor...hey look!!!!...a red one trying to get out of there!!!!!!!

Change is coming...... ok I won't go there  :-D

[Intheswamp]

 ;)

[BlueBee]

One thing any good caterpillar farmer knows is ...... you need to squish a bad caterpillar before it infects the whole group!

That red one looks diseased to me  :-D

[BlueBee]

Rober, I’m not sure I should spoil your surprise come spring, but ….. you are CORRECT.  X:X

Your caterpillar is the larval stage of a Polyphemus silk moth.  The Polyphemus moths are typically a little larger in size than the Luna’s as adults.  Their favorite food around here seems to be Red Oak leaves and Birch.  They’ll also feed happily on willow.  They’re not as picky of eaters as the Lunas.  If you don’t have what the Luna’s like they’ll starve to death before feeding!  The Luna’s prefer the nut trees; willow and hickory here.

I would overwinter your cocoon in the garage, or outside, just be very sure the mice can’t get to it.  Mice LOVE to eat cocoons.   

[sc-bee]

One thing any good caterpillar farmer knows is ...... you need to squish a bad caterpillar before it infects the whole group!

That red one looks diseased to me  :-D

Every good army needs a Leader :-D

[bbbthingmaker]

I think that's Harvey !

[rober]

it's in a glass jar with a vented lid so it should be safe from mice. i put it in the basement. around late February i'll stick it in the fridge so it doesn't emerge too early. last spring one of 2 swallowtails that i had kept all winter emerged too early to release. it was 20* degrees outside at the time. i put it on a house plant but it did not survive.