achemon sphinx larva - Eumorpha achemon

Achemon sphinx caterpillar

Thanks for the great picture. I saw this critter for the first time on Aug 5th. Had stopped for a rest on a 150-mile bike ride, walked over for a closer look at a historical-marker sign, and on the way saw this incredible orange caterpillar with white spots on the sides! It was feeding on Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). It was an eating machine! Last instar, or so I understand, because it had no "horn". I was especially intrigued by the retractable head. Please, can someone tell me how to pronounce ACHEMON?

… Naturalist Kathy, 1 September, 2006 - 9:24am

There's a forum discussion about pronunciation

here. If you can work your way through the site I refer to there, Pronunciation of Biological Latin, I think you might come up with a-KEY-mon for this pronunciation - I know ch makes a k sound, but deciding how all the vowels should sound is a little trickier - and which syllable is stressed depends on the vowel sound.

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 1 September, 2006 - 11:37am

Pronouncing Latin

Thanks for the quick reply. I see that there's lots of debate on the "proper" pronunciation scheme. I was trying to decide between a-KEY-mon and ACK-e-mon, but I like the former better. Not to be all hung up on what's "correct", but I don't want to sound like a fool. This is a fantastic site!

… Naturalist Kathy, 1 September, 2006 - 11:48pm

Certainly!

Moved to guide.

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 8 July, 2006 - 3:15pm