Wordless Wednesday – Allow your photo(s) to tell the story
Caterpillars are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera. As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies are commonly called caterpillars as well. Both lepidopteran and symphytan larvae have eruciform body shapes.
We found these caterpillars very interesting and see them regularly on our walks, so I just had to show you all.
Below: As far as I can tell, this is a woolly bear caterpillar, which is the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella).
The adult Isabella tiger moth has a short lifespan of about one to two weeks, focused entirely on mating and laying eggs before dying. The woolly bear caterpillar, the larval stage of this moth, can have a much longer lifespan, sometimes lasting for several years, particularly in colder climates where they overwinter as caterpillars.
Below: As far as I can tell, this is a caterpillar of the white-lined sphinx moth, also known by its scientific name, Hyles lineata. This species is one of the most widespread hawk moths in North America
White-lined sphinx moth caterpillars (Hyles lineata) are highly variable in color, ranging from green to black, but are identifiable by a pointed, horn-like tail that is usually yellow or orange. They feed on a wide variety of plants, including evening primrose, apple, and grape. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, the “horn” is not a stinger, and the caterpillars are harmless to humans.
Come, participate, and join us weekly at our very own #WordlessWednesday #Photography. Let your photos do the talking. (Words are also welcome.) The linkup will always start on Wednesday at 2:15 a.m. and end on Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
If you’d like to join in, check out my other #WordlessWednesday posts here: Wordless Wednesday (Words also welcome).
Feel free to drop a link to your own #WordlessWednesday post in the comments. I’d love you to stop by and leave a comment!
P.S. All the photos in my #WordlessWednesday #Photography posts were taken by my husband or me.
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