Shaun pointed out this neat little find at the apex of a Larch being worked on at Chichester’s recent show.
It is — we think — likely a pine hawk-moth caterpillar (Sphinx pinastri), in its late instar. They feed almost exclusively on pine, larch and spruce, so finding one here fits well. Earlier instars are green with white stripes, but just before they descend to pupate they turn brown/purplish-grey — which matches the bark-like camouflage.
The pine hawk-moth is not typically considered a serious pest on ornamental trees or bonsai conifers in small numbers. Usually one or two caterpillars per tree, no need to spray.
