Hobbies And Interests
Appearance
The white-lined sphinx caterpillar is around 2 1/2 inches long with a green or yellow body and a series of black stripes down its length. It may have additional yellow and pink dots or stripes. The exact pattern of the white-lined sphinx caterpillar depends on the climate, weather and individual insect. Some have additional stripes or are even entirely black, according to HGTV. All white-lined sphinx caterpillars have a spike or pointed horn on their back ends.
Range
This species is native to North America and can be found as far north as central Canada and as far south as Mexico. The white-lined sphinx moth is most common on the western half of the continent. According to the Royal Alberta Museum, this moth does not survive the winter in northern latitudes. However, new moths migrate north in most years.
Diet
These caterpillars spend their time in fields, on forest edges and in other areas with medium-height plants. They eat a wide range of plants, including wild grapes, apple trees and even desert shrubs. They adapt their diet to their surroundings, preferring low, shrubby plants. They are capable of consuming the flowers from toxic plants, and may even eat plants normally considered noxious weeds.
Misconceptions
Because of this caterpillar's large size and intimidating rear horn, many people worry that it could be dangerous. The horn is often mistaken for a stinger. The white-lined sphinx caterpillar is actually completely harmless. Even its jaws, made for tearing apart plants, can only pinch a human.
Traveling
In the late summer and early fall, white-lined sphinx caterpillars may migrate in large groups. They travel primarily along the ground, searching for an appropriate place to pupate. Once the caterpillars find the right spot, they dig a hole and create a chrysalis one to four inches below the surface of the ground.