Comments for
brown striped caterpillar (Fig Sphinx caterpillar)

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Fig Sphinx caterpillar
by: Moni

Linda
Rearing caterpillars to moths can be a tricky thing. It is not in my expertise, however here is a web site of folks that do raise many insects. If you leave them information about where you live, what insect you have, what conditions you have for rearing, then perhaps they can guide you thru.
http://www.buglifecycle.com/?page_id=367

There is some great info and photos on this site about many of the insects they have reared.

Thanks for the ID
by: Linda Olson

Thank you so much for the identification. We have set up "George" is an aquarium with plenty of leaf litter and hope to see him turn into a moth.

When can we expect George to emerge?
Fig Sphinx caterpillar
by: Moni

Linda
Yes, we ID insects year round! Insects are around most of the year especially in the southern states. And many times photos are taken in the summer, but with busy lives the photos don't always get sent right away. We are glad to Id something you may have a photo of that is not critical to your gardening but is of interest to you.
Your photo is of the fig sphinx caterpillar, Pachylia ficus. These caterpillars feed on any fig plant (Ficus spp), especially Ficus aurea. They are not considered a pest. The larva pupate in cocoons in leaf litter. There are several color 'morphs' or forms. You have the orange form.
From the size of your caterpillar, I would guess it might be ready to pupate. Some suggest that they are green and turn orange when ready to pupate. It should be put out amongst a good leafy area so it can finish its life cycle. Then perhaps you can see the moth in the spring!

This insect is most commonly seen in Central and South America, but occurs sometimes in Florida and Texas.
Great find...by your cats!
Thanks for the great photo and description!!

Here are some photos of the moth and other caterpillar forms:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/8182/bgimage

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