[Gardener and Rabbit]

I didn't think much troubled rhubarb, but this is the second of these large caterpillars I've found eating holes in the leaves. Does anyone know what they are? Thanks.

[mumofstig]

It looks like a Hawk Moth caterpillar - Has it got a spike on the back end? it's not clear from the picture 

[pigguns]

It looks like a Hawk Moth caterpillar - Has it got a spike on the back end? it's not clear from the picture 

Ah yes, I found a dead one of those on my Rhubarb leaves the other day.

[Gardener and Rabbit]

No - no spike on the end, just flat.

[mumofstig]

looks a bit like a young elephant hawk moth caterpillar, I scarred the whole family a couple of years ago when I brought a couple on my hand into the house, they grow quite large.

But they have spikes and the OP says it hasn't got any 

Have a look here for some others for ID
http://www.naturespot.org.uk/taxonomy/term/19329

[Gardener and Rabbit]

Thanks for the link Mum...just had a browse, and it's a Lesser Yellow Underwing moth! It's quite common apparently, the 6 black triangles on its back match-up, it's the right time of year for them, 4-5cms is the right size, and they seem to feed on quite a few plants that would need a strong constitution.

[MickyB]

I have holes in my Rhubarb leaves as well, I will check to see if any caterpillar are lurking under the leaves, will they do any serious damage if left?

I might have to nudge them off with a stick if a spot them, they look too creepy for me to handle - OK i'm a wimp I know.