Our neighbor called us to see this strange bug he'd found.
The closest thing I could think of was a tomato worm, but this was much smaller and didn't have the horns.
The fake eyes, with eye brows even, give it a really strange appearance and makes that section look like the head.
I suspect the head is really that little fuzzy thing in front.
I checked with the Cooperative Extension and they suggested it was
Papilio canadensis -the caterpillar of the Canadian Tiger Swallow Tail. With a name, I could check on line. This appears to be what it is, though the ones I saw online were bright green and this is more brown. Perhaps it's at a different stage of its life. The 'eyes' are right and the ones online also have dots along the back of the 'neck.' And they live in Alaska and they eat birch and aspen among other leaves.
such a cool picture..caterpillars are fascinating when you get really close
ReplyDeleteLast frame looks a bit like a pug! Never did find those dogs attractive, but as a caterpillar, it seems to work for me.
ReplyDeleteSteve, you make creepy crawlieslook adorable!
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine found one in her pool in centralOhio. I have never seen this before and wonder if they are native to Alaska, how did this one show up in central Ohio
ReplyDeletei dont know i just found one in ky and didnt know what it was
ReplyDeletei found one in ny i had no clue what it was
ReplyDeleteCool. I was the same. Hope it didn't take to long to find your answer here.
ReplyDeleteFound one in NJ!
ReplyDeleteFound one in NC!
ReplyDeleteNew J and North C and Alaska, that's a wide range. But that's good if it has lots of places where it can survive. They're pretty neat.
ReplyDeleteMy 3 yr old son found one at the park today here in NJ. This little bug is freaky looking.
ReplyDeleteFound one in DE.
ReplyDeleteCool, Missie. They're neat aren't they?
ReplyDeleteFound one in Maryland
ReplyDeleteFound one in Mayrland. How do I or can I attach a pic?
ReplyDeleteMaryland, don't think you can put a picture in the comment but if you email me I can post it. Keep the image small (under 100kb) and it will be fine.
ReplyDeleteI just found one in Amherst NY. Very cool looking and it sticks its tongue out.
ReplyDeleteI found one yesterday in Ashland, Ky
ReplyDeleteJust found one in Southwest Utah.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report Utah. The original post was in 2010 - almost 14 years ago!
ReplyDelete