Types of Green Caterpillars

Older black caterpillars called swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes) feature remarkable black stripes and a lime-green body. These larvae appear black in their larval stage and resemble bird droppings in appearance. The rainbow stripes on these green caterpillars are the easiest way to recognize them. They have a black stripe on each part of their body with yellow spots. The caterpillar’s head end has the black and yellow stripes spaced farther apart. In this article, we will discuss about different types of green caterpillars.

The caterpillar spits out an offensive odor and extends an orange “tongue” from its head as a protection measure. This is osmeterium, which resembles a forked snake’s tongue rather than the actual tongue. When it comes out of the pupa, the fat green caterpillar will have changed into a beautiful black swallowtail butterfly.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

When you gently squeeze the front of this green and black caterpillar, its orange horns will protrude. Be cautious, though, as this caterpillar also emits a foul scent.

Emperor Moth Caterpillar (Saturnia pavonia)

The huge, green body of the Emperor caterpillar is covered in yellow and black spots. The Emperor Moth Caterpillar (Saturnia pavonia) is one of the larger types of green caterpillars. The Saturniidae insect family includes this caterpillar. This kind of caterpillar has black and orange juvenile larvae. It becomes green as it matures. This green caterpillar can be recognized by the black bands that surround the segments that have orange and yellow dots. You can see tufts of small black hairs if you look up close.

This variety of caterpillar is not deadly or venomous. The spines, however, are brittle and pointy and could irritate skin.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The big, chubby caterpillar in green with rows of yellow dots encircling each segment. The green Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar features eye-like patterns on its head.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar

Due to its striking patterns, the green Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio glaucus), a member of the Papiliionidae family, is a rare example of a green caterpillar. As it grows and matures, the larva’s body turns a solid shade of green. The Tiger Swallowtail turns dark brown just before pupation.

The patterns on its head that resemble eyes are one of this green caterpillar’s most recognizably distinctive characteristics. These patches resemble eyes because they are yellow or light green specks with black centers. A white or yellowish stripe right behind the head (thorax) is another thing that makes this caterpillar stand out. The “eyes” serve as a deterrent to ward off predators.

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The Tiger caterpillar, like all swallowtail caterpillars, releases an offensive odor when in danger. In order to look like an angry snake, it may also stick its osmeteria out from behind its head.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Because the Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar has marks that look like eyes, you might think it is staring at you.

Moth White-Lined Sphinx Caterpillar

The White-lined Sphinx caterpillar has a horn on its back and yellow and black markings on its brilliant green body. The White-lined Sphinx caterpillar (Hyles lineata), which has a lime-green body, is another variety of “hornworm.” Along the side, there are markings in black and yellow.

The hues of this type of caterpillar vary. The big, thick caterpillars vary in color from green with orange or yellow dots to black with stripes. These species all have horns on their tails. Despite how dangerous the caterpillar appears to be, the horn doesn’t sting.

To identify the green White-lined Sphinx species, look for rows of black spots with yellow centers on the sides of each segment. You’ll see a line of black and yellow dots with white specks close to the prolegs.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Look for the innocent green caterpillar’s orange and black horn sticking out of its back.

Underwing Caterpillar of the Copper Moth (Amphipyra pyramidea)

The sides of the green body of the copper underwing caterpillar are lined with a narrow yellow line. The Copper Underwing caterpillar is a big, green, fatty creature that resembles a particular hornworm. Early stages of the green copper underwing caterpillar have a body that is nearly translucent and pale green. The segmented caterpillar’s body darkens and gets a yellow stripe along the sides as it ages.

Look at the sizable projecting bump at its back to help identify the copper underwing moth caterpillar. Mature caterpillars may have a colorful horn-like tip. This hefty green caterpillar also has the ability to elevate its front half while it is at rest.

On this species of green caterpillar, look for four pairs of abdominal prolegs and three pairs of teeny frontal legs. This large green caterpillar develops into the copper underwing moth, which has stunning wings that are brown and bronze in hue, after emerging from the cocoon.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

A green caterpillar with a chubby appearance, a distinct yellowish-white stripe down the sides, a pointed, humped back, and a short, spherical head.

Copper Underwing Luna Moth Caterpillar

The body of the huge Luna caterpillar is green with red spots.

A huge kind of caterpillar with a spiky pale green body is called the Luna moth caterpillar (Actias luna). The Luna caterpillar’s segments are ridged, as opposed to having a smooth body like many green types.

The group of big silk moths in AD Luna is made up of caterpillars from the Saturniidae family of insects. Red or orange dots with ridges dot the body’s light green tint, and some of the spots have little, fine black spines sprouting from them. Instead of being hairy, this caterpillar is more spiky.

• Although the sharp spikes on this caterpillar won’t harm you, they may irritate your skin.
• The Luna moth caterpillar turns reddish-brown just before forming a cocoon.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

One of the odder green caterpillars that develops into a lovely, exquisite green moth. A huge, green caterpillar with a maximum length of 3.5″ (9 cm).

Caterpillar of the Cabbage White Butterfly

The caterpillar of the cabbage white butterfly is green. Frequently, caterpillars are seen on cruciferous vegetables. The Cabbage White Butterfly Caterpillar is one of the most prevalent species of caterpillar (Pieris rapae). These caterpillars are hard to see on the leaves of broccoli, kale, or cabbage because of their pale green tint.

These caterpillars have a voracious appetite, which is one of their characteristics. The long, green larvae keep eating to get bigger. These caterpillars can be a problem for any gardener because of their invasive behaviour.

These green caterpillars can be recognized by their long, slender bodies. Due to their light-colored markings, you may have noticed that the caterpillars are green and yellow in hue. The caterpillar’s look is slightly fuzzy as it crawls.

Some caterpillars may have segments with tiny black spots and a body that is bluish-green in color.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

When they are born, larvae have black heads that turn yellow and then green as they grow.

Horned Devil of Hickory Caterpillar Moth

horned caterpillar of hickory

With a blue-green body and orange and black spikes, the big Hickory Horned Devil has a terrifying appearance. The Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar (Citheronia regalis) is unquestionably one of the scariest caterpillars you will encounter.

It makes sense that the enormous bluish-green caterpillar is known as a horned caterpillar. Long, sharp, red horns with black tips stick out of one end of the fat segments on the body. The turquoise-green body also contains tiny black spikes on each segment. The caterpillar has crimson points on both ends.

Despite its intimidating appearance, this huge species is one of the Saturniidae family’s calmest members. The ominous-looking caterpillar is actually quite innocuous and neither stings nor bites.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar, one of the biggest green caterpillars, can reach lengths of up to 6″ (15 cm). This caterpillar is as big as your hand’s palm, according to images.

Caterpillar Rustic Sphinx Moth Rustic Sphinx

The Rustic Sphinx caterpillar is a huge, green caterpillar with white stripes on its body and a horn. The Rustic Sphinx caterpillar (Manduca rustica) is a type of green horned caterpillar that is typically found in places like Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi.

This green caterpillar resembles the tobacco hornworm in certain aspects. It has a lime green body with recognisable maroon and white diagonal stripes on the sides. There is a sizable, non-stinging trumpet on the back.

The top of certain species of this big, fat caterpillar is scarlet. This colour and the green on the lower parts are separated by white diagonal bars. They can have yellow tails with red freckles on them.

These caterpillars are known as “sphinx” caterpillars because they enjoy lifting their front ends like the Sphinx in Egypt.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Rustic Sphinx caterpillar (Manduca rustica)

The Rustic Sphinx caterpillar (Manduca rustica) is a huge, bulky-appearing green species with white stripes that run diagonally and a large horn. The European Puss caterpillar is easily recognised by its distinctive appearance. European Puss Moth Caterpillar

The European Puss caterpillar is another hefty lime-green caterpillar (Cerura vinula). This strange-looking caterpillar has long spiked tails on one end and a triangular head on the other.

One of the most interesting kind of green caterpillars to observe is this one. The larvae extend their scarlet, frightening lashes to fend off other insects when they feel threatened. Additionally, the caterpillar’s head end has patterning that resembles a spooky face. This appears to be a wide-open mouth filled with gnashing teeth.

One of the list’s most hazardous caterpillars is this one. If you happen to find one, you ought to avoid it. The caterpillar can spit acid that is toxic when it gets enraged. The caterpillar will raise its head and wave its long tails about when it gets agitated, which is easy to spot.

Contrary to popular belief, this unusual green “pus” caterpillar is not related to the hairy American Puss caterpillar.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

• A large, aggressive green caterpillar that can reach a height of 3″ (8 cm).
• Hyalophora cecropia, a caterpillar of the cecropia moth.

Hyalophora Cecropia Caterpillar

A form of huge, green caterpillar with yellow and blue nodules is called the Cecropia moth caterpillar.

One of the biggest and most distinctive-looking green caterpillars you will encounter is the Hyalophora cecropia. The larvae are initially yellowish-green in hue before changing to bluish-green as they develop.

This caterpillar’s huge segments give the larvae a ridged look. The yellow, blue, or orange tubercles that develop on the body of this caterpillar are one of its distinctive distinguishing characteristics. These bright bumps each produce tiny black spikes. Even the prolegs on its centre part have blue tubercles.

Despite having one of the strangest appearances of any caterpillar you will ever see, they develop into some of the most stunning moths. In fact, the moth that develops from this caterpillar, the Cecropia, is one of the biggest in North America.

Identification of the Hackberry Emperor Caterpillar (Asterocampa celtis)

The Cecropia, one of the largest kinds of green caterpillars, may reach a length of 4.5″. (10 cm).

Caterpillar Emperor in AD Hackberry (Asterocampa celtis)

The hackberry emperor caterpillar has a split tail at the back and a pale green body with yellowish stripes.

The Hackberry Emperor caterpillar has two slender, yellowish stripes along the length of its body. It is a light green colour. Look for several tiny yellow raised dots covering the body, a dark green head with two tiny horns, and two pointed tails at the back to help identify the hackberry emperor caterpillar.

Larvae of the hackberry emperor can reach a length of 1.5″ (4 cm). It can be challenging to identify them on hackberry bushes due to their pale green appearance and tiny yellowish bumps coating their bodies.

On hackberry trees, as their name suggests, you can frequently encounter hackberry emperor caterpillars. Green hackberry emperor caterpillars change to brown in the late fall and spend the winter inside curled hackberry tree leaves. The creeping, worm-like insects begin to feed on hackberry leaves and leaf buds as soon as they emerge in the spring.

The hackberry emperor caterpillar transforms into a magnificent brown butterfly with white, brown, and black markings on its wings after emerging from the pupa.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The two spiked tails and two dotted lines running from the head to the rear of the plump green caterpillar with its darker head are also present.

Vegetable worm (Hypena scabra)

Three pairs of abdominal prolegs and a pale body stripe help to identify the green cloverworm caterpillar.

The Green Cloverworm can be recognised by its faint greenish-white side stripes, tiny yellow lines looping around its body, and yellowish-green head. This green caterpillar can also be identified by its three pairs of abdominal prolegs and one pair at the back.

Green cloverworms in AD have the trait of quivering when startled. They appear to jump before flopping in this peculiar habit.

Green cloverworm caterpillars, often known as black snouts, are between 1 and 1.2 inches (2.5 and 3 cm) long. They are destructive caterpillars that eat other types of legumes and soybeans. Green clover worms develop into a dark-brown moth with triangular wings after reaching the pupal stage.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Green caterpillars with segmented bodies and fine yellow lines separating them. Keep an eye out for the distinctive white stripe that runs along each side.

Diamantina Moth (Plutella xylostella)

The tiny, light-green diamondback caterpillar has tiny black hairs all over its body, a V-shaped back, and a darker head.

The Diamondback Moth caterpillar is a little, pale green creature with small white spots all over it, a brown to black head, and a tapering tail. Its body is covered in black spiky hairs. The five pairs of prolegs, one of which forms a characteristic V shape at the rear of the caterpillar, are a distinguishing feature of the diamondback moth.

The small green wiggling larvae, sometimes known as cabbage moth caterpillars, grow to a maximum length of 0.4″. (1 cm). As this caterpillar gets older, its colour changes. The diamondback caterpillar hatches from the egg nearly colourless before gradually changing to a green body and a black head. The caterpillar’s head turns green or brown as it grows.

The diamondback moth is a kind of leaf miner that consumes leaf tissue while living inside leaves in its first instar. The small green caterpillars burrow through the underside of leaves after emerging from the leaves. Small green diamondback moth caterpillar damage to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower can go unnoticed for a while due to this eating behaviour.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Look for this little green caterpillar’s V-shaped back, dark head, and short black hairs poking out of pale areas.

Moth caterpillar in AD Io (Automeris io)

Automeris io The green spikes on the Io moth caterpillar’s body are incredibly uncomfortable to touch if their poison gets under your skin.

Io moth caterpillars can reach lengths of up to 2.3″ (6 cm). They hatch from the eggs with rusty-brown colouring and short, stinging hairs on their bodies. The caterpillars progressively become green and sprout the distinctive green tufts that resemble pine needles and sting.

Io moth caterpillars have poisonous spines that are highly irritant to the skin. If the venom seeps into your skin from the urticating spines, you may experience a painful “bite”. These stinging, venomous caterpillars may inflict severe pain that lasts for around an hour with just the smallest touch.

This species can be recognised by the red and white stripes that run the length of its side. It has green spikes protruding from every portion of its body. Even the four pairs of prolegs on its centre segments have small spines. The hefty, fuzzy green caterpillars undergo metamorphosis to become magnificent orange or yellow moths with enormous eye patterns on the wings.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Look for the distinctive tufts of stinging green spines covering the thick, lime-green body with red and white stripes running along its sides to identify the Io moth caterpillar.

Moth with Rough Prominence (Nadata gibbosa)

The green-segmented body of the hefty rough conspicuous caterpillar is covered in yellow lines and spots.

The Rough Prominent caterpillar is a plump, light green to turquoise colour, with a broad, rounded head and small, black markings that resemble eyes. Numerous golden spots, a red circular dot on the side of each segment, and pale yellow stripes on the sides are what make the rough conspicuous caterpillar distinctive.

The pale-green, yellow-striped caterpillar grows about 0.7″ (1.7 cm) long and has a translucent green head that resembles a ball.

The white-dotted prominent and green oak caterpillar are other names for the rough prominent caterpillar. This green caterpillar can frequently be seen feeding on the leaves of oak trees as well as birch, alder, maple, cherry, and willow trees.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The smooth, plump, green segmented body of the rough prominent caterpillar can be recognised by its yellow speckled patterns, a golden middorsal line, and a line of red dots close to the belly.

Sulphur Cloudless Butterfly (Phoebis sennae)

The green body of the cloudless sulphur caterpillar bears a yellow stripe with small blue-black spots on it.

The green Cloudless Sulphur caterpillar has yellow stripes and blue or black dots on its body. The bluish-black specks are rows across the middle of the segments when viewed up close. On its body, there are also little black setae, which are clumps of bristle-like hairs. Yellowish-green is the hue of some species of cloudless sulphur caterpillars.

The size of AD Cloudless sulphur caterpillars ranges from 1.6″ to 1.8″ (4 to 4.5 cm).

The caterpillar’s colour changes depending on what it eats, which is a peculiar trait of Phoebis sennae. Caterpillars of the green cloudless sulphur get their green colour from eating green plants. The yellow caterpillar, on the other hand, only appears when the fat caterpillars eat the yellow petals.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Caterpillars of the cloudless sulphur species can be recognised by their distinctive green bodies, lateral yellow stripes on each side, rows of blue and black spots, and small bristles on the abdomen and foot.

Caterpillar with a Crowned Slug (Isa textula)

The green, flat body of the crowned slug caterpillar is covered in stinging spines, giving it a striking appearance.

One of the most unique pale-green caterpillars is the Crowned Slug. The flattened oval body of the crawling insect, which has stinging hairs protruding from its sides, makes it simple to recognise. The two lines on its back, the horns, and the two spiked tails are other distinguishing features.

This slug caterpillar resembles a leaf more than it does a fuzzy sphere. It appears flat, but its back is ridged and contains two light yellow lines. On one end are two horns, and on the other are spin plumes that sting. It is simple to recognise because to the stinging green, yellow, or red spiky protrusions that emanate from its body.

The crowned slug caterpillar can reach a maximum length of 0.6″ (1.5 cm). Although the crowned slug caterpillar appears beautiful, touching one will cause a painful sting.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Look for a caterpillar with a pair of orange-red horns, an oval, pastel green body, stinging hair plumes along its side, and two yellow stripes on its back.

Caterpillar of an oak slug (Euclea delphinii)

The poisonous spikes all over the oak slug caterpillar’s body and two lines of orange stripes give it an unusually vibrant appearance.

The oak slug caterpillar is a stunning green oval caterpillar with orange lines, black and white ring-like decorations, and plumes of stinging spikes. This slug caterpillar can be recognised by the orange or yellow fuzzy spikes that protrude from its back, ends, and sides.

Caterpillars of the spiny oak slug can reach lengths of up to 0.8″ (2 cm). Two rows of orange spines separate the ovoid-shaped lime green body into three lateral portions. On its green back, look for recognisable circular patterns with rings in black and white.

The oak slug caterpillar’s vibrant colours serve as deterrents. In deciduous woodlands and forests, oak slug caterpillars are frequently observed. The spiky caterpillar pupates and then transforms into a tiny, brown hairy moth.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The green, elongated oval body of the spiny oak slug caterpillar is covered in two orange stripes, black circular patterns, and plumes of deadly spines.

Autumn Webworm (Hyphantria cunea)

A particular species of tiny yellowish-green hairy caterpillar with long spikes is called a fall webworm.

The fall webworm caterpillar is a worm-like, yellowish-green bug with tufts of long, thin spines that resemble hair. Rows of yellow spines protrude from every region of the hairy caterpillar’s body. Rows of rounded black dots are also visible down the rear.

Fall webworms can be found in a variety of hues. Some of these tiny, fuzzy caterpillars have black spots on their pale yellow backgrounds, while others have light markings on their dark grey backgrounds.

Caterpillars of this fall webworm species can grow up to 1″ (2.5 cm) in length. These hairy caterpillars adore munching their way through the leaves of deciduous trees like crabapple, walnut, cherry, and others.

The unique behavior of these caterpillars to build substantial tent-like structures around host plants gave rise to the term “webworm.”

Fall webworm caterpillars’ colour is a result of their environment. Warmer environments are more likely to harbor green-bodied fall webworms. The dark-furred caterpillars, on the other hand, reside in colder, northern regions. In order to identify webworm infestations on trees, look for web-like tents on branch tips.

Identification of Green Caterpillars

The fall webworm can be recognized by its very long yellow or white hairs that grow from orange-red bumps all over its body.

Swallowtail caterpillar of the spicebush (Papilio Troilus)

The head of the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar is marked with what appear to be artificial eyes.

One of the strangest green caterpillars is the Spicebush Swallowtail. The segments of the chubby green to yellow caterpillar are surrounded by bands of bluish-green spots. The black and white spots on the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar’s head resemble eyes, giving it the appearance of a silly snake.

Caterpillars of the green spicebush swallowtail are between 2.5″ and 3.8″ (6 – 9.5 cm) long. They have a body that is fairly chubby. The caterpillars are brown in colour with white patterns that resemble bird droppings in their early stages of development. They turn a light green as they get older and get burgundy or brown undersides.

The fake eyespots on the head of the spicebush swallowtail, which provide defence against predators, are one of the insect’s intriguing features. These have a white “reflection” spot and a black pupil on a yellowish oval circle.

The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar will rear up and release an unpleasant odour to scare away birds and other insects if it feels threatened. Given that it often eats at night and hides during the day, it might be challenging to find this caterpillar.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The two false eyespots on the head, the pale green body, and the tiny blue and black dots in the transverse band help identify spicebush swallowtails.

Caterpillar of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)

Seven white diagonal lines with seven black dots are on the huge green tobacco hornworm caterpillar.

The enormous, plump, green Tobacco Hornworm caterpillar has a horn at the back that can be green, orange, or brown. It also has a row of black and yellow dots along the side. Despite being safe for people, this caterpillar can destroy crops like tomato plants and other nightshade-family plants.

The caterpillars of tomato and tobacco hornworms are similar in appearance. However, the chubby tobacco hornworm is smaller, reaching a maximum length of 2.7″. (7 cm).

Look at the markings to distinguish between the two varieties of hornworms. For instance, tobacco hornworms feature a black border around seven white diagonal lines. However, tomato hornworms feature a black horn and eight V-shaped, borderless patterns.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

A tobacco hornworm caterpillar can be identified by its tail’s orange or brownish-red horn-like protrusion, little black spots with a white ring, and diagonal white and black stripes.

Cabbage worm with cross stripes (Evergestis rimosalis)

Green is the body colour of the cross-striped cabbage worm, with white markings on the back and a yellow stripe on each side.

The X-Striped The cabbage worm is a zebra-like, striped, green caterpillar with fine hairs, a yellow band, dark green spots, and a spherical, brown head. One of the green caterpillars with the most vivid colours is the caterpillar. The caterpillar starts out green, but as it gets older, it turns deep blue or even black.

The cross-striped cabbage worm is actually a caterpillar in the insect order Lepidoptera, despite being termed a worm. The gorgeous, chubby, green caterpillars eventually become tan-colored moths.

The length of cross-striped cabbage worms ranges from 0.4″ to 0.6″ (1-1.5 cm).

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Look for the unique yellow band along the sides, the black dots on the segments, and the black and white markings on the greenish-white back of young cross-striped cabbage caterpillars.

Rosy Maple butterfly (Dryocampa rubicunda)

The black-dotted and two-horned rosy maple caterpillar is light green with light green stripes.

The Rosy Maple caterpillar has a brown head, bands of black dots, and two black antennae. It is a striped, neon-green caterpillar. The large green caterpillar changes appearance as it ages. The pink maple caterpillar darkens, gains black spines, and develops white, green, or black stripes down its length.

When fully grown, rosy maple caterpillars can reach a length of 2″ (5 cm) and have a chubby, striped, green body. The caterpillars are sometimes known as mapleworms with green stripes.

One of the most vibrant hairy moths emerges from the cocoon after the pupal stage as the vivid green caterpillar. The fluffy, bright pink and white wings of the rosy maple moth have pink antennae and a yellow head.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Bright green body, darker longitudinal stripes, two black horns, a black abdomen, and red or pink streaks at the back are characteristics of the rosy maple caterpillar.

Caterpillar with a Dragon’s Head (Polyura athamas)

The green caterpillar with a dragon’s head has four horns and white stripes on its sides.

The Dragon-Headed caterpillar is a long, dark-green, slug-like creature with a huge head, four ominous-looking horns, lateral stripes that are whitish-yellow, and tiny white spots. The caterpillar with a dragon’s head may look dangerous, but it is quite harmless. Leguminous plants are often what the tropical caterpillar feeds on.

It is clear how Polyura athamas obtains its popular name from images of the green dragon-headed caterpillar. With its two long central spiky “horns” and two shorter peripheral stumpy “horns” growing from its flat head, the green caterpillar’s head resembles a fabled dragon.

The dragon-headed caterpillar also has four pairs of prolegs, each of which has a white marking. Along the base of each segment, there is a line of white markings as well. You can see the caterpillar’s markings are in the form of a V if you look at it from above.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The four impressively long horns on the dragon-headed caterpillar serve as its primary identifying feature. This green caterpillar can also be recognised by its strong diagonal white stripes and side white markings.

Moth and caterpillar-shaped angle shades

The Angle Shades Moth Caterpillar’s body can be either green or light brown.

In comparison to some enormous species, the larvae of the Noctuidae family’s Angle Shades caterpillars (Phlogophora meticulosa) are tiny. These caterpillars can have pale dorsal stripes and a dull green colour. Others have red patches along their sides and are green or brown in colour.

Identification of Green Caterpillars

The body of this caterpillar is green with a thin, dotted line running down one side and narrow, yellowish bands dividing the segments. Pinkish brown caterpillars are occasionally possible.

Caterpillars called Cabbage Loopers

Cruciferous veggies are what the green cabbage looper caterpillar prefers to consume.

Caterpillars known as cabbage loopers (Trichoplusia ni) are named for the way their legs move in great arching motions as they crawl. The little bristles that develop on the bodies of these cabbage worms give them a slight hairy appearance. When fully grown, they become green and reach a height of 1.5″. (4 cm). Additionally, their feeding habits develop until they are regularly consuming three times their body weight.

Identification of Green Caterpillars

The pale lime green tint, white side stripe, and sparsely distributed tiny hairs serve as telltale signs of the cabbage looper caterpillar. Additionally, the green caterpillar moves in a characteristic looping pattern.

Imperial Moth Caterpillar

The colour of the huge Imperial moth caterpillar can vary dramatically. Green, maroon, or brown are the most mature colours.

The Imperial moth caterpillar species has a number of subspecies (Eacles imperialis). Although imperial moth caterpillars are not deadly, they can cause significant harm to crops. These huge caterpillars come in a variety of colours, some of which are green and yellow and others which are brown and burgundy. The large, plump green ones can reach a height of 5.5″. (10 cm).

Identification of Green Caterpillars

A row of yellow spots along its side and yellowish spiny horns at its head and tail end help identify the fat green imperial moth caterpillar, which is also known as the imperial moth larva.

Caterpillar with a Long Tail (Urbanus proteus)

Proteus Urbanus

The long-tailed skipper caterpillar has a spherical, dark head and a green body with yellow dots and lines.

The enormous green long-tailed skipper caterpillar has a characteristic rounded brownish-black head and is covered in yellowish spots. Thin yellow lines running down its back, two orange markings at the end of its tail, and orange prolegs are other characteristics of this cigar-shaped larva.

This caterpillar, which resembles a slug, is widespread in Florida and feeds on ornamental plants in the bean family and legumes. The common name “bean leafroller” comes from its peculiar habit of rolling leaves around itself.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The long-tailed skipper caterpillar can be recognised by its distinctive green body with bands of yellowish spots and yellow lines running along its length. However, its black, ball-like head is what makes it stand out the most.

• Yellow Florida Forester Moth Caterpillar (Zygaenidae), Forester Moth Caterpillar (Zygaenidae)
• The body of the forester moth caterpillar is a yellowish-green colour and has rows of black dots on it.

The larva of the forester moth is a striking yellowish-green hue. It can be recognised by the two rows of black dots and spiky tufts that run down its back. Before pupating, the chubby, thick caterpillar measures around 4.7″ (12.5 cm) in length and has a segmented body. It deters predators with the help of its vivid chartreuse hue.

In the warm subtropical areas of the southern United States, the caterpillars of forester moths eat herbaceous vegetation. The vividly coloured caterpillar pupates into a magnificent black and white moth and is occasionally referred to as a smokey moth.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The yellowish-green forester moth caterpillar has black spots and prickly tufts of hair on its body, and it resembles a slug. The body of the larva is noticeably flattened.

Moth Polyphemus (Antheraea polyphemus)

The lime-green body of the polyphemus moth caterpillar is covered in red spots.

The lime-green polyphemus moth caterpillar has conspicuous bands of bright red spots across the length of its body. The lengthy setae on each neon-red dot give the green caterpillar a slightly hairy appearance. The large caterpillars range in length from 3″ to 4″ (7.5 to 10 cm).

Through each of its instars, the polyphemus moth caterpillar has a new appearance. The immature caterpillars are covered with orange tubercles that sprout short black hairs and have black and white stripes across their belly. The pupating caterpillar is a large, dark-green larva with occasionally yellowish streaks on its flanks.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The lime-green to dark green body of the polyphemus moth caterpillar is distinguished by reddish bumps all throughout.

Typical Pine Sawfly (Diprion pini)

The body of the larval common pine sawfly is pale green with black dots and lines.

A black line and a band of black spots run down the back and sides of the pale green larva of the common pine sawfly. As it grows older, the easily recognised larva acquires a rounded orange head with black spots.

The tiny, caterpillar-like larva can reach a length of 0.4″ (1 cm). Diprion pini can cause significant harm to pine trees when it is in its larval stage.

It’s important to note that this sawfly larva is not a caterpillar from the Lepidoptera family of moths or butterflies. Instead, it pupates and develops into the common pine sawfly, a brown-winged bug.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

An easily recognised caterpillar-like bug with a pale green body and black bands running the length of it, the larva of the common pine sawfly looks like.

Sphinx caterpillar from Eumorpha (Eumorpha fasciatus)

Although it can vary in colour, the giant eumorpha sphinx caterpillar is green with yellow diagonal stripes and black dots.

Due to its many colour variants, the eumorpha sphinx caterpillar is an uncommon green caterpillar. The huge larva has a spiky tail, diagonal yellowish-white stripes, and a series of black dots down its flank. A yellowish-green caterpillar with red bands and yellow and white stripes is also possible.

The larvae, which are also known as banded sphinx caterpillars, can frequently be seen eating on Ludwigia or Oenothera types of plants.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The colour variations of the Eumorpha Sphinx Caterpillar make identification difficult. The green caterpillar, for instance, can have stripes that are yellow, black, red, white, or orange. Additionally, some caterpillar instars resemble the tobacco hornworm.

Caterpillar of the honey locust moth (Syssphinx bicolor)

bee-locust moth (Syssphinx bicolor)

The green body with white dots, red and white line along its sides, and two red horns are characteristics of the honey locust caterpillar.

The larva of the honey locust moth is a green caterpillar with white tubercles that are speckled. Two pairs of reddish horns, whitish spiky hairs, and a white and red stripe along its flanks are characteristics of the green caterpillar. Yellow bands cover the face of its head, which has an odd appearance.

The 1.5″ (3.8 cm) long green honey locust caterpillar has a robust body. The Kentucky coffee tree and honey locust both host the leaf-eating larvae.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The honey locust moth caterpillar features a white and red abdominal band, a pair of fleshy red horns at either end, a dark green abdomen, and white speckles all over it.

Caterpillar with Northern Pearly Eyes (Enodia anthedon)

Thedon Enodia

The pale green northern pearly-eye caterpillar has a pale pink horns and is covered in tiny yellowish dots.

The larva of the northern pearly-eye butterfly is a light green caterpillar with pinkish horns, rows of vivid yellow spots, and a fine setose covering. This green larva has an oval head and a recognisable pointed tail end. The length of this yello-green caterpillar is 1.77″. (4.5 cm).

The light green caterpillars are seen munching on different kinds of grass. The caterpillar pupates to become a lovely brown butterfly with recognisable brown eyespots on its wings.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The pale reddish-pink horns and pointed rear of the northern pearly-eye caterpillar make it a readily recognisable species. It has small hairs and little golden specks all over it.

Caterpillar with Orange Bars on Sulfur (Phoebis philea)

Small black lumps can be seen all over the body of the pale green and black striped orange-barred sulphur caterpillar. The pale yellow-green orange-barred sulphur caterpillar has two black longitudinal stripes down its back and is coated in tiny fleshy bumps. This black and green striped caterpillar usually eats the leaves of bean and clover plants.

The sort of plants the orange-barred sulphur caterpillar eats determines its colour. For instance, the caterpillar takes on a deeper hue after consuming dark green foliage. The caterpillar, on the other hand, will be a pale green to yellow tint if it consumes yellowish foliage.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The yellowish-green larva that becomes the caterpillar of the orange-barred sulphur butterfly has broad black bands extending from head to tail. The striped caterpillar has mushy, stumpy black spines all over it as well.

Caterpillar with Silver Spots (Epargyreus clarus)

The yellow-green silver-spotted skipper caterpillar has two orange eyespots on either side of its brown, rounded head.

The distinctive yellowish-green silver-spotted skipper caterpillar has a dark brown ball-like head and tiny lateral stripes on its abdomen. The green caterpillar also has eight orange prolegs, three pairs of red forelegs, and orange eyespots as distinguishing characteristics. Behind its head, it bears a reddish-brown ring.

The length of this striped caterpillar is 2″ (5 cm). The silver-spotted skipper caterpillar consumes the leaves of vines, shrubs, herbs, and Fabaceae plants.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The larva of the silver-spotted skipper is a hefty, slug-like yellowish-green caterpillar with orange legs, reddish-brown heads, and thin transverse stripes.

Underwing Copper Caterpillar Moth (Amphipyra pyramidoides)

The yellow-white line along its sides and humped tail section are features of the yellow-dotted green copper underwing caterpillar.

A recognizably yellow and white stripe runs down the edges of the green caterpillar, which is the copper underwing moth larva. The vibrant band also has a number of blue dots with white rims. Yellow spots and patterns are also all over the green belly of the caterpillar.

The copper underwinged caterpillar measures 1.77″ (4.5 cm) in length. The larva can also be recognized by its noticeable green head and humped tail portion. The caterpillar is active in the spring and eats hawthorn, maple, oak, and other deciduous trees in addition to fruit trees.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

A thick, green caterpillar with yellow dots all over it and a white and yellow line running down its sides is the copper underwing moth caterpillar.

Oleander Caterpillar Hawk Moth (Daphnis nerii)

The huge green oleander hawk caterpillar features blue eyespots and a tail with a pale orange horn.

The oleander hawk moth caterpillar has two sizable blue and white eyespots, a fleshy yellow horn at the back, and a green body. The intriguing caterpillar also has a side stripe that is white and pale blue with white dots on it.

The caterpillar of the oleander hawk moth is 3 to 3.3 inches (7.5 to 8.5 cm) long. The caterpillar changes to a dark charcoal color with orange patches on either end just before pupating.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

A huge, horned caterpillar with a vivid green color and a strip of blue and white patterns along its flank is known as the oleander hawk moth caterpillar.

Caterpillar of the box tree (Cydalima perspectalis)

The body of the box tree caterpillar is striped in green, black, and yellow and contains black dots and fine hairs.

A black, yellow, and green striped caterpillar is the larva of the box tree. This green caterpillar can be recognized by its round, black head, which has a white “V” design on it, as well as by the green, yellow, and black bands that run along its belly and the black spots on its back. The caterpillar also possesses tiny white spines.

The box tree caterpillar grows to a length of 1.5″ (4 cm). As the name implies, the striped, green caterpillar feeds on Buxus species plants. The green caterpillars have the ability to totally defoliate boxwood plants in some instances.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The cylindrical shape, black head, and body with green stripes serve as telltale signs of the box tree moth larva. On its abdomen, there are also black spots that individually produce fine setae.

Silkmoth of Prometheus (Callosamia promethea)

Four red horns at the top of the pale green promethea silkmoth caterpillar’s head and a yellow horn at the tail serve as identifiers.

The promethea silkmoth caterpillar has four noticeable red, rounded horns at the top of its head, a yellow tail, and is a light, bluish-green, plump caterpillar. The back and sides of the caterpillar also have bands of bluish-black tubercles. Its forelegs and prolegs are a light yellow tint, as well.

The promethea silkmoth caterpillar has a length range of 1.77 to 2.36 inches (4.5 to 6 cm). These huge, fat green caterpillars eat the leaves of pretty plants and trees that lose their leaves in the fall. It is also known as the spicebush silkmoth caterpillar because it eats the spicebush plant (Lindera benzoin).

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The four vivid red protuberances on the promethea silkmoth caterpillar’s head, along with its blue-green body and yellow tail, serve as indicators of its identity.

Caterpillar of the Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth (Darapsa Myron)

the sage The back of the Virginia creeper sphinx moth caterpillar is covered in dark blotches, and its side is lined with pale lines.

The Virginia creeper sphinx moth larva is a large-headed, green caterpillar. This moth caterpillar can be recognized by the reddish-brown stripes on its back, the slight pale green speckles, and the protruding head. On its side, the green caterpillar bears stripes of yellow-green color.

A horned, green caterpillar with a length of 2″ (5 cm) is known as a Virginia creeper sphinx. Usually, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and grape leaves serve as its hosts (Vitis). From Florida to Maine, the caterpillars are widespread in the eastern United States.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The Virginia creeper sphinx caterpillar is easy to spot because it has a bigger head, brownish stripes on its back, and a pointed tail.

Caterpillar of the grey furcula moth (Furcula cinerea)

The green body with dark brown markings on the back and forked tail of the grey furcula moth caterpillar make it easy to recognize.

The grey furcula moth caterpillar is a unique green color and has large, irregularly shaped, blackish-brown spots on its back. The orange and yellow marks in the center of the black splotches have yellow edges. The unusual green caterpillar also has a flattened head and a long, pointed tail.

The long, narrow projections that resemble a tail and the brown, red, and green rings are two more peculiar characteristics of this green and brown caterpillar. Additionally, there are brown and orange specks all over its side.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

There are various characteristics that make it simple to recognize the grey furcula moth caterpillar. Large brownish-black patches with subtle orange markings may be seen on the creature’s green abdomen. Its tail end also contains projections that resemble a forked tail.

Caterpillar of the Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)

The green snowberry clearwing caterpillar has a black horn at the end of its tail, and its body is covered with tiny white dots.

A delicate lime-green caterpillar with snowberry clearwings. The larva of the moth has a distinct black tail spike, longitudinal bands of green and yellow colour, and a row of bluish-black dots down its flanks. The green caterpillar is also covered in little white granular patches. The larva may occasionally develop into a brown caterpillar.

A form of hornworm, this green caterpillar has a pointed black tail with a yellow stripe at the base. Honeysuckle, lantana, thistle, Canada violet, and lilac plants are usual prey for the larvae of the snowberry clearwing moth.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Having a green body with a yellow band behind its head, black markings down its abdomen, and a black spike for a tail, the snowberry clearwing moth larva has these features.

Bedstraw Caterpillar Hawk-Moth (Hyles gallii)

Large green caterpillar with yellow lines and patches with a reddish tail horn is the bedstraw hawk moth caterpillar.

The bedstraw hawk-moth larva is a green hornworm with a brilliant creamy-yellow pattern running along its body and a dark green abdomen. This spotted green caterpillar’s bluish-green head, arched red tail horn, and black prolegs are some of its additional distinguishing characteristics. The huge, green caterpillar can reach 3.1″ in length (8 cm).

Additionally, the bedstraw hawk-moth caterpillar might be an orange caterpillar with yellow markings or a black caterpillar with yellow spots. The long, cigar-shaped larva can be found feeding on plants like fireweed, bedstraw, fuchsia, and Plantago.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

Large, cylindrical, and green, the bedstraw hawk-moth caterpillar can be recogized by the bands of yellow dots that run the length of its side and its distinct, bright red tail.

Prominent caterpillar in Georgia (Hyperaeschra georgica)

The pale green Georgian notable caterpillar has an orange hump at the end of its tail and a yellow line around its flanks.

The Georgian conspicuous moth larva is a sizable pale green caterpillar with an unbroken yellow band along the length of its body. The rear of this lengthy caterpillar also displays bands of tiny, subtle green spots. The green caterpillar can be recognised by the orangish-red hump on its tail.

North American deciduous trees are the primary food source for the Georgian conspicuous moth caterpillar.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

The body of the Georgian conspicuous caterpillar is whitish-green, and just above its legs, a distinct yellow, red-edged stripe runs down its sides.

Caterpillar with Lace Cap (Oligocentria lignicolor)

The silvery splotch on the back and sides of the green lacecap caterpillar makes it easy to identify it.

The larva of the lacecapped moth is a green caterpillar that looks like bird droppings. The chubby, cylinder-shaped, dark green caterpillar has a grayish-white spot all over its back and sides. The caterpillar is protected from predators by its mottled green, white, and brown colors.

The lacecapped green caterpillar can reach a maximum length of 1.77″ (4.5 cm). It frequently grows on beech, oak, and chestnut trees, feeding on leaves.

Identification of the Green Caterpillar

A noticeable pattern of gray blotches may be seen on the back and sides of the huge, green lacecapped moth caterpillar.

Common Questions Regarding Green Caterpillars