Elephant Hawk Moth Catapillar

[Aileen35]

Whilst clearing out the pond yesterday, came across two of these. One was around 3 inches long, maybe bigger. It looks like a cartoon character!

[scarey55]

You're right, it does look like a cartoon character.

They do turn into quite unusual/attractive? moths though.

[LostGoddess]

Ooh he/she is a handsome fellow/lady

[ginger ninger]

Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar, fantastic, i used to see lots of them when i was a kid, but sadly round where i live there isn't that many....beautiful moth when he change's.

[SueA]

They are brilliant aren't they, I haven't seen one here for a couple of years but we used to get the odd one so I suppose they must still be around, nice photo!

[lettucegrow!]

Wow! He looks amazing,never seen one of those.Looks like he might stop for a chat!

[Herbie]

My mum had one of these in her garden earlier in the year, we had to look it up to see what it was, they do look like a cartoon character, i thought they were abit ugly until I looked it up once they change they really are quite beautiful. Mum also has a pond, wonder if they hang out around ponds?

[peanut]

I want one!!!!

[Aileen35]

They eat aquatic plants, hence found by the pond

[hamsterqueen]

There was one in my garden this morning. Massive!

[seasprout]

I think there has been a massive increase in these this year, I saw my 1st ever 2 together at work a few weeks ago, and then 1 in my garden last week.

Their Favourite food is Fuschia and the willow Herb family.

Heres a pic of a work one.

[BulgarianBev]

something similar

Found a pupae of a moth in my potato plot when harvesting other day. Bulgarian still not good enough to find out what strain - anybody any ideas? Kept the pupae, still alive as yet, don't all jump down my throat but should I destroy it, i.e is it bad for other potato growers? If not then where best to place it in order for it to fulfil it's life span? Sorry but not a bug fan and it gives me the creeps..

[SueA]

I don't think there are any moths which are particular pests of potatoes so I'd just put it somewhere sheltered on your plot or in the garden, maybe in a pile of leaves near a hedge or similar. I wouldn't think one would do much harm by itself anyway & most moths are very pretty so I'd save it. Not sure what it would be though, not very well up on Bulgarian moths!