9-2-14 Caterpillar with reddish tail - Tyonek, Alaska, USA
Observation: A resident of the village came to me with a caterpillar that was never seen before here. The caterpillar was moving when I got the insect, with a pointy reddish spiked tail. What is the proper way to preserve the insect for identification? I didn't know how to preserve it, so we let it go. Tina Constantine, Native Village of Tyonek, Environmental Assistant
Cooperative Extension Service Consult: This post has been forwarded to our partner Jessie Moan, Statewide IPM Technician writes, "It is not uncommon to see caterpillars of H. gallii this time of year. While they do feed on vegetation, they are rarely in numbers higher enough to be considered pests." University of Alaska Fairbanks
Resource:
Collecting Insects: Methods to collect insects and other arthropods are almost as numerous as kinds of insects, and new techniques are still being developed. This page will cover the general collection of various groups of insects and arthropods, and offer specific hints and tips where available. However, collecting a specific taxon for a specific purpose may require a particular protocol which should be followed. (Source: BugwoodWiki)
Bedstraw Hawk-Moth (Hyles gallii) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
To view a larger image of the caterpillar go to Flickr
Video:
Observations From Members 
