Eileen
As noted in my original comment -This insect is found in the northern most areas of North America. So you are not too far south.
Here are photos of the moth and range of caterpillar colors. http://bugguide.net/node/view/31976/bgimage
The Caterpiller of Ciccinnatus, New York by: Eileen Ledger
I live in upstate New York. I found one of these worms today. I had never seen one before here. It was in my driveway and I thought if he was left there he would get run over so I gathered him up and took him over into the grass. I am amazed he made it this far south! He is a big guy though. And pretty in his own way. I wouldlike to see a picture of the moth he becomes.
Thank you by: Robin
That is really cool! I have seen the moths before and they are beautiful and fun to watch, but I had no idea that that caterpillar would become one of them. Thank you so much for your help.
I searched for a long time trying to find something that looked similar to this guy, but with no luck.
Thanks again.
Galium sphinx caterpillar by: Moni
Robin
Your caterpillar is the Galium sphinx moth caterpillar. Yours looks like it might be big enough that it is roaming to find a place to pupate.
Caterpillars of this moth do vary some in color, but like most sphinx caterpillars they have a 'horn' or tail on the rear end. This insects horn is either red or black.
The moths look a little like hummingbirds as they fly from flower to flower gathering nectar. The straw like mouthparts are long tubes for sucking up nectar...it is fun to see them do so. This particular sphinx moth does fly during the day as well as at night.
While the moths do feed on nectar the caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants like willow-herb/Fireweed (Epilobium spp.), Bedstraw (Galium sp...hence the name), and other plants in the evening primrose family. They are not considered a pest of any crop.
This insect is found in the northern most areas of North America.
Here are photos of the moth and range of caterpillar colors. http://bugguide.net/node/view/31976/bgimage
