I found a caterpillar in my garden in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is mostly black/brown, quite large, and has four white patches on its head. The tail has a small spotted white tip. It’s is about 10cm long
Here is an image:
Should I kill it, or is it safe to let it free. Will it destroy my garden?
-
1Can you add what size it is?– Bence KaulicsMar 8, 2021 at 16:21
-
Looks to be in the Sphingidae family (Hornworms, Hawkmoths).– Polypipe WranglerMar 12, 2021 at 11:29
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
African Death's Head Hawk moth, Acherontia atropos. The tail and head markings match. Last instar before making a cacoon.
Is it good? It will eat your potato or tomato leaves. It is nearly fully grown, maybe feed it some leaves and let it tunnel into soft dirt, and allow it to turn into a moth.
Wikipedia article says:
"Eggs are laid singly under old leaves of Solanaceae: potato especially, but also Physalis and other nightshades. However it also has been recorded on members of the Verbenaceae, e.g. Lantana, and on members of the families Cannabaceae, Oleaceae,[9] Pedaliaceae and others."
answered Mar 12, 2021 at 11:54
