what is it?

[Doodle]

I've just found in the garden a caterpillar, smooth lime green with white and lavender vertical stripes together and repeated every few centimetres. It is about the thicknes of my middle finger and is around 4 inches in length and has something resembling a small brown horn at the bottom end I say bottom end as unless it walks backwards it must be its bottom! Very strong clung to the OH's garden glove like glue.

Can someone enlighten me as to what it is please?

Thanks, Chris

[Dog]

Sounds like a Stag Beetle Lavae - put it in the compost or near some well rotting wood, they take three or four years to develop on its low protein diet. Lovely critters and should be encouraged.

[Doodle]

Thanks Dog,

I have since found out that it is the lavae of a privet hawk moth if you would like to have a look at it here is the link......

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=1669

regards, chris

[crossy67]

Just don't show it to the French.  You know what they're like, they'll eat it lol.