Identification help for the similar Hippotion caterpillars


Image of brown & green H. celerio kind courtesy @ydnewp2

Hippotion celerio and H. eson caterpillars are hard to tell apart, especially in the younger instars.

Both species have green and brown forms. As far as we can tell, H. eson always turns brown in final instar, whereas H. celerio can remain green.

These notes are based on our experience so far, and we welcome any further tips and amendments. The pillars are very variable, so these notes are just a guide.

BROWN FORMS


Images kind courtesy of @magdastlucia and @ernestporter



Diagnostic feature:
H. eson always has the white patch, H. celerio never does.


GREEN FORMS


Images kind courtesy of @magrietb



Diagnostic feature:
They're all a bit iffy, but @magrietb says the ring around the big 'eye' is the best character, especially in later instars.


Thank you very much to Magriet for all the notes, especially about the green forms, from her experience of rearing the little munchkins :-)

Posted on August 22, 2019 11:38 AM by karoopixie karoopixie

Comments

Thanks.
Regards,
Herman Berteler.

Posted by hermanberteler over 4 years ago

Thanks @karoopixie and photographers - has always been a mystery to me......

Posted by knysna_wildflowers almost 2 years ago

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