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found wild on some bamboo in MD. Light mint green, with one round small bulb on its backside.

that's a vague and general description that could fit many caterpillars. how big? what do you mean by a knob? what color is the knob? other markings? hairs? etc.

a pic would be best if possible.

lele

it was about 2 inches long. Very light minty green color with white overtones. One solitary knob in the middle top of second to last segment? knob was maybe 1/16 in tall and 1/16 wide. Amber color knob with very thin white band around it. Was found in Maryland on morning glory and bamboo. Back of last segment touched the ground and seemed to grip me as he crawled along. Perhaps 1/4 inch wide. I let him go yesterday. At first I though it was a silkworm, but no. I have experience with mealworms and waxworms, and this was not one of them (like that helps, huh?) smooth sillouette, I believe he was segmented but not very defined.

OK, from the size, coloration and the knob it sounds like one of the giant silk moths - family Saturniidae(not the same as the silkies we feed our herps which are Bombyx).

I have been rearing the giant silks for 6 years and know them well. Everything about your description sounds like one of the Callosamia. What doesn't make sense is that it did not have any protrusions near the head. Go to this site and look at the the two Callosamia. They are beautiful creatures become lovely adults as well. and look like they have been hand painted. I have some in cocoons that I am waiting to emerge.

let me know if this is it. there are very few caterpillars that get that large and there are just so many that are totally smooth with just a few knobs - most have them all along their back.

lele
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