Bug of the Week - July 1, 2009
Another Wednesday, another mystery insect for you to identify. I post this weekly exercise, dubbed "Bug of the Week," to introduce you to insects you may never have seen before, and as a fun way to practice insect identification. This week's bug is a little tricky - it looks like one thing, but really is another. Need a few clues to help you ID it? Check the forum for hints. Post a comment with your answer to this challenge, and next Wednesday I'll let you know if you were right.
Last week's mystery bug was indeed a hickory horned devil, as Mobugs41, Moni, Nick, and ear541 answered. Congratulations to all of you. The hickory horned devil is the larvae of a moth which goes by several names, including the regal moth and the royal walnut moth. The caterpillar feeds on the foliage of several trees, including hickories and walnuts, as you might have guessed.
Photo: Flickr user Charles & Clint
Texas wasp moth – Horama panthalon, very cool looking!