The Funky Caterpillar

On my journey this summer to Panama, and on the way to the outdoor bathroom, I discovered this caterpillar by accident.  It's known as the Tetrio Sphinx Caterpillar.  You'd think this large bug would stand out on the branches, but instead, it blended in quite effortlessly with its surroundings.

It belongs to the moth family and when in moth form, looks similiar to our own local desert Sphinx moth that comes from the hornworm caterpillar....you know....the giant green alien looking one:)  Here is a post titled  Who's in My Garden? from last year that features a similiar type of caterpillar moth.  It feeds on the Plumeria species.  While the moth form is beautiful, the caterpillar has the color.  Here is an observation while working with both moths and butterflies from over the years.  Many moth caterpillars are colorful while their butterfly counterparts are not.....and yet when they switch into moth or butterfly form, the roles reverse with the butterfly having more color. There are exceptions of course.   Have you seen this caterpillar in your garden? I think I've also used the word "caterpillar" enough in this write:)

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia