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It is a "White-Lined
Sphinx" The photo shows a 5th-instar larva (moth larvae
typically molt skins 5 times before pupation). Note that the
coloration of the larvae of this species is highly variable. There is
even a "dark form" - where the caterpillar is predominantly a
dark chocolate brown. They also feed on a very large variety of
plants.
Scientific name: Hyles lineata (Fabricius) Facts: The "White-Lined Sphinx", like all sphinx moths, is an fast and able flier. It is on the prowl from dusk and is commonly attracted to lights. It can sometimes be observed towards sunset visiting flowers - and even during day light hours. Sphinx (also known as hawk moths) feed on nectar and prefer flowers that have a deep tubular shape - like petunias. In poor light or to the novice, they can easily be mistaken for hummingbirds. Often, they brood in large numbers - becoming pests by denuding the host food plants of all leaves. Snowy winters enhance their survival and our warm, humid Midwestern summers are a boon to the reproduction of this species. They range from the east to the west coasts, and from Canada into the tropical Americas. There are a number of similar species from the same genus. See
also (US Geological Survey WWW site):
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