Observation date: September 03, 2015
Submitted by: Brittany6767
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found in garage. Sunny day and windy. Caterpillar was about 6 inches long.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: October 23, 2015
Coordinator notes: A caterpillar specialist will have to identify-Ken Davenport A caterpillar specialist will have to identify-Ken Davenport Looks like it might be a Pink-spotted Hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata), but this species has never been recorded in Placer County or most of the other counties in northern and central CA. It would be a stray this far north, and therefore it would be extremely improbable that a larva would be found. If indeed this is A. cingulata, it may have been an accidental import in a box or something. I am not caterpillar expert, so I will leave this sighting for a more experienced coordinator.
According to MPG, the range of this species does extend into the central valley, so I think it could be a resident now, or possibly a summmer migrant. The larvae feed on sweetpotatoes, morning glory, moonflower, and related plants. In any event, I have no doubt about the id of this sighting. SAT
http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=7771
