Can anyone identify this handsome fella?

[bario1]

Nearly stepped on him while he was crossing the path on my allotment.

[andy_j]

Elephant hawkmoth catterpilla

[ButternutSquash]

A beautiful creature

[bario1]

I found another one a couple of feet away that seemed to be 'waving' at me.

[PyreneesPlot]

Fabulous

[veggiechicken]

I found another one a couple of feet away that seemed to be 'waving' at me.

He's either happy and waving his trunk or begging because he's scared Honest!!!

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ead_67632.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ese_74589.html

All these threads start about the same date - mid-end August. Hope I find one soon

[bario1]

Haha seems like it's a bit of a privilege to see one of these, would love to see the moth! Here is the other photo i took:

[skeggijon]

I found a load behind my shed over the weekend. Was taken aback when I saw the size of them lol.

[gardening_gal]

A long black furry caterpillar crossed my path whilst out walking with the dog. Never seen anything like it, it was quite large for a caterpillar. Don't know if it's my imagination but there does seem to be more unusual or larger things on the go these days. It was all 'just' green basic jobs years ago.

[bario1]

I remember all kinds of weird and wonderful caterpillars when I was a kid. We used to call those black ones 'Hairy Marys'.

[marchogaeth]

Haha seems like it's a bit of a privilege to see one of these, would love to see the moth! Here is the other photo i took:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]48632[/ATTACH]

Well you could take it home and feed it until it pupates then just keep an eye on it in the spring and be ready to let it go.| The Wildlife Trusts for info.

My class and I raised three of these last year | The Wildlife Trusts . We use an old aquarium but with a lid with gauze in so there is air circulation. You need to clean them out until they are "solid" but after that they just need to be clean so no germs while they metamorphose (brilliant word!).

[Bill HH]

Yes I have found them occasionally. Apparently they love fuscias, which figures because I have a lot and they are usually found on them. Never seen an adult though.

[marchogaeth]

Yes I have found them occasionally. Apparently they love fuscias, which figures because I have a lot and they are usually found on them. Never seen an adult though.

Need catching in a moth trap - night flyers - see article above.