Walnut Sphinx Caterpillar

Deciduous forests, woodlands, parks, and residential areas near host trees across eastern North America

Herbivorous larva feeding on foliage of walnut, butternut, hickory, pecan, alder, and beech trees

Turns a pinkish or purplish color when fully grown before wandering off the host plant to pupate in underground soil or leaf litter; famous for making a squeaking sound when threatened by compressing its body to force air out of its spiracles

Harmless to humans with no sting or toxic hairs; minor landscape pest as foliage feeding is rarely severe enough to harm healthy mature trees