Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Sphinx

When I look at this photo, taken about 40 years ago, I just feel peace. After living in the Middle East for six and a half years, many years ago, the whole region holds a huge place in my heart. It saddens me greatly to see TV footage of what is happening there at the moment, though at the same time, there is hope that positive changes can happen. May peace and harmony and all things good come to those who are living there in such troubled times. video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/countrie...

I think I am right when I say that the horned end is the tail end of this caterpillar. Not my hand, by the way! This caterpillar was seen on 1st September, on a short nature walk in connection with the Weaselhead Socety. I have seen one of these a few years ago, just outside the city, but can't for the life of me think what species it is. Can anyone help me with the ID? I had a look on Google this afternoon, but couldn't find a photo of a similar insect. Later: thanks so much, Jim, for the ID - Hyles gallii.

Someone spotted this huge, green caterpillar in Weaselhead this morning. I love the tiny black spots on the few yellow knobs at the head end (i.e. top of the photo)! "The Columbia Silkmoth is one of the largest moths in Alberta, reaching wingspans of 10 cm. The caterpillar can achieve lengths of 5 to 6 cm. Because the moth is active at night it is seldom seen. However, when seen it generates a lot of curiosity because of its size. The size of both the moth and caterpillar eliminates almost all other species. The green colour and rows of fleshy knobs separate the caterpillar from similar species. Caterpillars first appear by about mid-July and mature by early to mid-August. The cocoons are formed from leaves and silk, and are located in protected areas. They over-winter in this stage and the adults emerge the following June. Caterpillars feed on a variety of plants, including rose, birch, maple, ash, oak and pine. For this reason they are found in wooded or shrubby areas. This species is seldom found in numbers sufficient to be considered a pest species, and its beauty far outweighs its destructiveness." Taken, with thanks, from The Royal Alberta Museum website.