Hickory Horned Devil: The regal moth, scientifically known as Citheronia regalis, is indigenous to the deciduous forest of the eastern United States and one of the largest moths in the area. As caterpillars age, they molt four times with each instar being different. On the fifth and final instar, caterpillars adopt a bright green color, with huge, black-tipped red horns, earning them their common name hickory horned devils. They feed heavily on their host plant for about 40 days and can grow up to 6 in (15 cm) long. Although prickly in appearance, they do not sting, and the larva is harmless and is actually easy to handle. Sources: Bob Warrick and University of Florida #science #biology #animals #nature #photo