Check out this giant caterpillar! The Hickory Horned Devil

Check out this giant caterpillar! The Hickory Horned Devil is a LARGE specimen! This caterpillar will eventually become Citheronia regalis, the regal moth or royal walnut moth. It is a North American moth in the family Saturniidae. The adult has a wingspan of 3.75-6.1 in. Enjoy!
#hickoryhorneddevil
#regalmoth
#moth

[@ScaryFear]

It's lovely. I'd love to find one of those. My fave moths are the sphinx moths. I have raised them in the past. They are the kind you have to provide deep soil for as they cocoon underground.

[@IslandsnHighlands]

We have raised sphinx moths also, I really wanted to raise this one since it looked fully cooked lol but Brent wanted to leave it be and it was probably better for it. I just love watching the process and the release. It’s euphoric to watch. I was thinking this one would need dirt to burrow in since it looked so much like a tomato hornworm. I love insects as much as I love plants

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Wow! What a beautiful caterpillar!!!!

[@IslandsnHighlands]

It was- and it was HUGE too!

[@Bindy36]

That is a cool caterpillar

[@IslandsnHighlands]

It was- I grew up in north GA and have never seen one until now!

[@kelliwebb2870]

It looks like he has sunglasses on! Very cool!

[@IslandsnHighlands]

I know - it was super cool!

[@champagnegardening5182]

A part of me wanted you to keep it, so we could watch the process. I'm glad you let it go though. Very cool!

[@IslandsnHighlands]

I know- we debated it before we made the video and decided no too, but it would have been cool!