Image of Regal Moth

Description:

This 2008 image depicts a left lateral view of a Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar as it was wriggling across a Georgia red clay surface. It’s hard to imagine, but keep in mind that this caterpillar is actually a developmental stage, or instar, through which the creature passes before becoming an adult, or imago Regal Moth, Citheronia regalis. Just prior to entering its pupal stage, where it will metamorphose into the adult moth, the caterpillar will change its appearance, adopting more of a turquoise coloration, which looked to be the case in the specimen photographed here.
Created: 2008