backyard visitor

I was walking around the backyard when this caught my eye. Just a few steps to the left and I would have stepped on it. I was surprised and a little excited to see it. Creatures like this do not normally exist in my sad weedy backyard. I guess the weeds really are good for something after all.

After doing some online searching, I believe this is a White-lined Sphinx caterpillar. In fact, a couple of months ago I found a dead moth on the back porch that fit the description of this caterpillar. From what I read, they burrow in the ground. I wonder if this is what has been making holes all over the backyard.