Caterpillars!

This post has absolutely nothing to do with fish, but as a lover of the outdoors, I tend to find a lot of things quite fascinating, such as caterpillars. I’ve come across a few interesting caterpillars this fall, and though I didn’t immediately plan to document them, the macro abilities of my LG G3’s camera gave me clear pictures from which to identify them. Here are a few of the recent ones.

Cecropia Silkmoth (Hyalophora cecropia)

caterpillar

Cecropia silkmoth

I nearly stepped on this one while walking back to the house after feeding the horses. This is large caterpiller, approximately 10cm in length, and is native to Ontario. They overwinter in a cocoon that is usually found in tall grass or low shrubbery, and the adult moth emerges in May or June.

Zebra Caterpillar Moth (Melachra picta)

zebra caterpillar

Zebra Caterpillar Moth

zebra caterpillar

Zebra Caterpillar Moth

I had difficulties identifying this particular caterpillar that I found on some weeds in my garden. After submitting it to butterfliesandmoths.org, I ended up with the proper identification. Despite being the smallest caterpillar I have found, they can be destructive to garlic populations, although not enough to warrant control measures. Interestingly, there can be two generations per year.

Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata)

spotted tussock moth

Spotted Tussock Moth

spotted tussock caterpillar

Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

While specifically searching for caterpillars, I came across this one in a tree we have been meaning to remove for the past few years. The Spotted Tussock Moth caterpillar has irritating hairs that can cause an allergic reaction for some people. They are widespread throughout Canada.

Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

black swallowtail caterpillar

Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillar.

After a day of surveying, my coworker and I hiked out of the stream valley and crossed a manicured lawn. There, we somehow noticed this caterpillar in the grass. The colouring was pretty neat and was part of the reason I decided to start documenting and identifying the caterpillars I saw. The adult butterfly is quite beautiful. The caterpillar will overwinter in a chrysalis, with Queen Anne’s Lace serving as it’s favorite host plant.

Caterpillars are fascinating creatures. They come in so many shapes, sizes, and patterns, that one can never get bored looking at them. Have a little search around your yard and you’d be surprised what you can come up with.

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argosgirl

Sporadic blogger and sometimes podcaster who loves fishing, the outdoors, hanging with her animals, gardening, and reading manga.

Latest posts by argosgirl (see all)

argosgirl

Sporadic blogger and sometimes podcaster who loves fishing, the outdoors, hanging with her animals, gardening, and reading manga.

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4 Responses

  1. First off, great camera work, Rebecca. I love how strikingly colorful the Caterpillars are. I think I will be more observant when I go out in the yard for Colorado caterpillars. Thanks for sharing.

    • argosgirl says:

      Thanks, Mel! I was pleased with how well the pictures turned out. Caterpillars are so neat, I wish I could find more of them around here.

  2. Juan L. says:

    Those critters are beautiful! I don’t think I have ever paid attention to all the beautiful colors on them. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

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