Kristine writes, "I have attached photos taken Sept. 10, 2005. We came across this "giant" caterpillar while hiking just outside Brantford, Ontario, Canada. My 5 year old daughter managed to spot him as she was walking by.

"When I investigated it on the internet we came across your name so I thought I would send these to you for your files. I would also like to get some further information.

"We set "Terry" (yes, we name everything that comes into the house!) up in a large pail with a fair bit of loose dirt and an abundance of grapevines. That was yesterday and today he has dug himself into the soil. Judging by his lack of tail horn I will assume he is in his 3rd instar. How long is the pupal stage? I don't want to disturb him but he will be shown to and released by my daughter's kindergarten class. Every year at this time they study caterpillars and butterflies.

"Any help you could provide would be appreciated as we would like to see him through his entire cycle."

I wrote back, "Hi Kristine, Nice pictures of Eumorpha pandorus. More pics and info at http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/epandoru.htm

"Terry is full grown and ready to pupate. Pupa, however, will not turn into a moth until next spring/summer. You can treat Terry and subsequent pupa as per article about Paonias excaetcata at http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/pexcaeca.htm

"Caterpillar will shrivel quite a bit during this process and you might even think it is dying. No soil is needed in the process I describe.

"Once you get a pupa, write back and I will suggest what to do from there."

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