Colorful Caterpillars in Thailand
One of the most colorful and interesting caterpillars in Thailand begins to appear during the month of July — in particular in Northeast Thailand and mountain provinces like Sakon Nakhon. This caterpillar will not grow into a Thai butterfly, but rather the Oleander Hawk Moth, which is known in Thailand as the Camouflaged Rocket Moth (ผีเสื้อจรวดลายพราง) or Camouflaged Hawk Moth (ผีเสื้อเหยี่ยวลายพราง).
The Oleander Hawk Moth is pretty large, with a wingspan of around 8-12 cm (3-5 inches). But it’s not as big as the largest moth in Thailand, the Atlas Moth, which has a wingspan of up to 30 cm or 12 inches.
The odd-looking Hawk Moth caterpillar gorges himself on the leaves and nectar of flowers. So much so that he often falls to the ground, gets lost, and then wanders around looking for another tree to climb up. His bright green coloring and two large blue spots (which look like eyes) ward off birds and other possible predators, who realize that instead of a sumptuous feast, it’s a poisonous caterpillar.
Note that dogs are often attracted to the Hawk Moth caterpillar, which they sometimes find munching on the leaves or flowers of a short bush or tree. They often will pull the caterpillar off the bush and play with it. So, if you live in rural Thailand and see your dog rummaging around a flowering bush, and then waltzing away with what looks like something in its mouth, do take the caterpillar away from them, as it’s toxic to dogs too, if ingested.
The weird appearance of the Hawk Moth caterpillar causes many Thais to be afraid of it. They often associate the blue/black spots at the head of caterpillar with evil eyes. So, you don’t want to pick one up to show your Thai wife or girlfriend!
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