This large, light green caterpillar has a grainy skin with two rows of reddish spots running the length of its abdomen, with a “horn” extending from its rear end. The adult (not shown) has a wingspan of 2 to 3 inches, dark red hindwings with a blue spot.
The abundance in our two nature centers is not yet known. It feeds on a variety of trees, to include elm, cottonwood and willow. There are one or two generations per year.
Note the white egg mass on this caterpillar, which will undoubtedly hatch and feed on this specimen.
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