Caterpillars of Eastern Forests

Walnut Sphinx (Cressonia juglandis)

Green (usually) or red with numerous, minute, raised white granules. Body with 7 pairs of oblique lateral yellow lines, often bearing reddish blotch at dorsal end. Anal horn tinted red. Markings, especially red ones, highly variable. Head pointed with lateral yellow line running from eyes to crown. Caterpillars of Paonias are similar but body is less granular and head not as pointed. May produce whistlelike hiss when handled. Food: walnuts, hickories, beeches, and chestnuts are preferred. Caterpillar: May to October; 2 generations in South, 1 in North.

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