Certainly in the running for the most flamboyant caterpillar! I believe this is a Spurge Hawk Moth (Hyles euphorbiae), a European species introduced to the US in an effort to control leafy spurge.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
Wow! I want one!
Good job, Laurie.....sharpness, colors, lighting.
Excellent banner.
Never seen the caterpillar or moth here (yet), but we have lots of spurge. Spurge Hawk Moth -Wiki
for your kind words, likes and acorns. It was exciting to find this guy a few years ago. I don't recall the location, though. I think it was Colorado or Wyoming.