Elephant Hawk-Moth Caterpillar

Elephant Hawk-Moth Caterpillar  -  Deilephila elpenor

Elephant Hawk-moth caterpillar identification Cornwall green
Elephant Hawk-moth caterpillar identification Cornwall

As I walked through the tall grass and weeds (which were fine to be kept) I discovered this stunning caterpillar. The first time I saw it, it had it's head withdrawn inside the thorax. This meant the eyespot mimicry marks were visible more prominently.

Nature amazes me all the time! I look forward to seeing the adult brightly-coloured moths next year in around May.