Please help ID this caterpillar

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Just found this strange, leafy caterpillar on my gardenia. It’s large and layered. Was thinking maybe a tomato hornworm but it looks leafier than the chubby images of hornworms.

Any idea? We live in Tampa, Florida if that helps. THANK YOU!

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Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
5 years ago
I'm thinking that your caterpillar is Menduca rustica, called the Rustic sphinx moth caterpillar and a very close relative to the tobacco and tomato hornworms. The rustic is quite likely to be found on gardenia.

Please know that there can be considerable variation in appearance between individuals.
Ebony Clark
Original Author
5 years ago
That is a DARN close match — I think you may be right!
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Please help ID this caterpillar

Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

Ebony Clark
Original Author

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Please help ID this caterpillar

Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

Ebony ClarkOriginal Author

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Ebony Clark
Original Author