Identification help for the similar Hippotion caterpillars

Image of brown & green H. celerio kind courtesy @ydnewp2

Hippotion celerio and H. eson caterpillars are hard to tell apart, especially in the younger instars.

Both species have green and brown forms. As far as we can tell, H. eson always turns brown in final instar, whereas H. celerio can remain green.

These notes are based on our experience so far, and we welcome any further tips and amendments. The pillars are very variable, so these notes are just a guide.

BROWN FORMS

Images kind courtesy of @magdastlucia and @ernestporter

Diagnostic feature:
H. eson always has the white patch, H. celerio never does.

GREEN FORMS

Images kind courtesy of @magrietb

Diagnostic feature:
They're all a bit iffy, but @magrietb says the ring around the big 'eye' is the best character, especially in later instars.

Thank you very much to Magriet for all the notes, especially about the green forms, from her experience of rearing the little munchkins :-)

Publicado el 22 de agosto de 2019 a las 11:38 AM por karoopixie