Identification of caterpillar (1 Viewer)

I would be grateful if anyone could identify the caterpillar in the attached photo.

Thanks
Gordon

Cinnabar moth.

Yes cinnabar moth.

See my post of last week in the gallery: http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7078

Thanks Walwyn and robinm. I'm off to check the links you provided.

Gordon

Help with another identification

walwyn said:

Cinnabar moth.

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I could also use some help. Any idea what this is? I know this is a bird forum but I was also wondering if anyone has a clue as to how to care for it? (At least my 4 y/o was wondering ;-)

Idenity of Worm....

Hi: I'm a newbie here but I wonder if you have a tomato worm there. It seems to have a horn and is about the right colour.

ahalper said:

I could also use some help. Any idea what this is? I know this is a bird forum but I was also wondering if anyone has a clue as to how to care for it? (At least my 4 y/o was wondering ;-)

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Hello ahalper,

Your larva is one of the Sphingidae or 'Hawkmoths'. You will need one of your fellow Americans to ID it for you. The great majority of the Hawkmoths pupate underground. If you feed the larva (foodplant depends on what species you have) until it is fully grown, it will eventually take on a darker or oily appearance and start wandering about without feeding. Provide it with several inches of some sterile compost in a deep box leaving several inches of clear space between the top of the compost and the top edge, the emerging moth will need space to expand its wings.

Place the larva on the surface of the compost and cover the box with a lid. Keep in an cold unheated area, out of direct sunlight. Do not disturb it, or try to look to see what is happening for at least 10-14 days. After that period has elapsed it should have changed into a pupae. Some species are continuously brooded, others may have just one brood a year (once identified you can look this up) After a few weeks or possibly several months it should hatch. Your local library may have some books on rearing larvae giving more info than I can give here.

Harry