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. (Minimal 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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We have had so many wooly bear caterpillars this year, and yesterday I saw the biggest caterpillar I ever saw in my life. I found out that it was a Giant Leopard Moth.
Hi Amy. Nature is awesome and I love exploring and looking for new on every walk we do. No matter if it’s caterpillars or mushrooms, or whatever is out there. I will now have to look up and try and find an image of the Giant Leopard Moth. thanks for popping in, have a great day
They are fascinating creatures! Those legs!
Most definitely, love them, and hope to see the butterflies in a while
Beautiful and then they become butterflies. Beautiful.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. Hugs, my friend. ♥
Thanks friend, they are gorgeous as caterpillar and butterflies.
Very interesting. information. We don’t see many caterpillars in my area, as I think there are too many other critters that eat them. Sadly, this summer I did not see many butterflies or moths in our area either.
Thanks for dropping in here Pat. We do find see woolly bear caterpillar yearly, but this year more so than previously! Hope you will still see spome caterpillar and butterflies in your area.