this blog is bugs

Depends on the size. For instance, this is Bug

But this? This is a dog or some sort of dragon maybe

Depends on the size. For instance, this is Bug

But this? This is a dog or some sort of dragon maybe

time lapse of a banded sphinx moth caterpillar (Eumorpha fasciatus) devouring a water primrose leaf

(Florida, 9/18/22)

E. fasciatus caterpillars are heavily polymorphic and come in several different color morphs- those stripy rainbow ones are from the same population as the green one.

The scientific name of this species is Sphecodina abbottii, but it's commonly known as abbott's sphinx moth. As a caterpillar, it has a peculiar appearance, with bright green or brown markings and a single prominent eyespot on its rump. When the caterpillar is pinched or poked, it also squeaks and bites at the attacker.

As this article describes:

Final instar caterpillars come in two color forms. The brown color form has longitudinal streaks of light and dark brown mimicking the color of a woody vine. The green form has on each abdominal segment a large, pale green, saddle-shaped spot on the upper side and a similar smaller spot on each side. The pattern is said to mimic a bunch of unripe grapes. Both forms have a black, raised, eye-like knob on the eighth abdominal segment, complete with a small white spot mimicking reflected light.

The fully-developed moths also have a unique appearance -- they're ash-grey/blue with streaks of pink and black.

This species can be found throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada.

Sources & More Info:

Encyclopedia of Life: Sphecodina abbottii

Minnesota Seasons: Abbott's Sphinx Moth

Insect Identification: Abbott's Sphinx Moth

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Saukeville Field Station

The scientific name of this species is Naryciodes posticalis. It belongs to the Limacodidae family of moths, which are commonly known as slug moths, thanks to the gelatinous, slug-like appearance of their larvae. That name seems a little ironic in this case, because Naryciodes posticalis actually mimics a snail.

Above: Naryciodes posticalis caterpillar

The caterpillar has a bulge in the center of its body, with colorful markings that form three concentric layers. These features mimic the appearance of a snail's shell, which may help to deter predators. It also has a pair of short, stubby appendages that resemble eyestalks, but they're located at the back of the caterpillar's body.

Above: this photo shows the underside of the caterpillar's body, with its mouth slightly visible on the right

This species is found only in Japan.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn't find any other information about these strange little creatures, and I get the sense that the entire genus is poorly studied.

Above: close-up of the caterpillar's head

Sources & More Info:

iNaturalist: Naryciodes posticalis

Zootaxa: A New Species of Naryciodes from Korea

The scientific name of this species is Naryciodes posticalis. It belongs to the Limacodidae family of moths, which are commonly known as slug moths, thanks to the gelatinous, slug-like appearance of their larvae. That name seems a little ironic in this case, because Naryciodes posticalis actually mimics a snail.

Above: Naryciodes posticalis caterpillar

The caterpillar has a bulge in the center of its body, with colorful markings that form three concentric layers. These features mimic the appearance of a snail's shell, which may help to deter predators. It also has a pair of short, stubby appendages that resemble eyestalks, but they're located at the back of the caterpillar's body.

Above: this photo shows the underside of the caterpillar's body, with its mouth slightly visible on the right

This species is found only in Japan.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn't find any other information about these strange little creatures, and I get the sense that the entire genus is poorly studied.

Above: close-up of the caterpillar's head

Sources & More Info:

iNaturalist: Naryciodes posticalis

Zootaxa: A New Species of Naryciodes from Korea

Most non-insect arthropods also have a baby stage, such as centipedes, spiders, lobsters, and isopods

The suspiciously hungry and round bug: