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Photo#217355
Alien Grub - Citheronia regalis

Alien Grub - Citheronia regalis
Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA
August 22, 2008
Size: 4 inches (aprox.)
I found this grub on the ground 2 days after tropical storm Fay came through. We had a lot of water and wind so I do not know where this creature actually came from, i.e. ground, or tree. We live in NE Florida and within a mature canopy of oak and hickory trees. It is still alive but I am not sure for how much longer. I also do not know where to put it so that it can continue its lifecycle.

Wow!
Putting a Sharpie in for perspective really shows the size of this huge worm. Very nice.

Moved

Yes, this is a prepupa of a C
Yes, this is a prepupa of a Citheronia regalis- Hickory Horned Devil. You can place it in a container with shredded paper towels and put the container in a dark place so it can molt into a pupa. The pupa will pass the winter and hatch next spring/summer.

 
Citheronia regalis- Hickory Horned Devil
Thank you so much for your response!! Can you tell me anything else about this insect? Does it need some cold to overwinter? When should I consider putting it outside. I do not want to miss putting it outside before it emerges.

 
I recommend...
...checking out this web site: http://www.kiva.net/~daylight/moth.html

It has lots of good info on rearing saturniid moths, including this kind.

Hickory Horned Devil
Citheronia regalis Caterpillar of the Regal (Royal) Walnut Moth.

Citheronia regalis - Regal Moth
in the guide here

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