Identifying A Caterpillar

[Khandro]

I have just seen (in Germany) the largest caterpillar ever, it was bright green and about 7cm. long and about 15mm in diameter. Has anyone any ideas what it was and what it might become please ?

[Milvus]

Have a look at hawk moth caterpillars. They fit the size and general colour. I'd guess at Elephant or Convolvulus

[Khandro]

milvus; Thanks; I've looked on the internet and I'm sure it was the convolvulus as the elephant caterpillar appears to be brown. It was crossing a footpath leaving a large field of young borage and sunflower plants, I wonder what it was off looking for - perhaps a mate? It was a bit risky as it looked quite succulent, a nice lunch for a hungry bird!

[thejudderman]

It most definately wouldnt have been looking for a mate!!

[Milvus]

It was probably heading off for more food. They pupate on the ground but not until the end of August.
There are two varieties of colour in the caterpillars, brown or less commonly, bright green

[Khandro]

thejudderman; I was thinking more in terms of company. :-)
But there must be some reason to leave a 2 acre field of young plants, cross a very hot (it's 34 degrees here) stony path toward a bit of scrubby wayside verge.

[heathfield]

Maybe the field didn't contain the right food for it? Could it be this one? Scroll down and see how it changes later to green in colour and loses its hairs. Size looks about right, too...

http://www.bugnation.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=212&t=53341

[Chipchopper]

My first thoughts was Elephant hawk moth, possibly associated with willow herb growing along the field boundary or ditch.