Ruth,
Was it a bedstraw hawk moth, by any chance? They are quite dark, even black 
sometimes, but do match your description otherwise.
http://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/naturelatest/pics/bedstraw%20hawkmoth1.JPG
 Check out this photo, and others you can find if you use Google Images and 
write "bedstraw hawk moth caterpillar"
They are quite common in fields this time of year.
Cheers,
Susan Sawyer
South Woodbury


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "C & R STEWART" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 8:33 PM
Subject: [VTLEPS] caterpillar ID


> Encountered a long (2" +/-) brown/reddish brown, hairless caterpillar with 
> two rows of yellow spots running down its back.   It thought I would be 
> able to easily ID it, but have not with my limited resources.   My first 
> thought was one of the spinx moths but now can't remember if it has a 
> horn???   Any ideas?
>
> Ruth
>
>
> Charlie & Ruth Stewart
> E. Dorset, Vermont
> U.S.A.
>