Celebrating the ordinary
I like butterflies!
For the 4th year, I have Cecropia moth caterpillars (Hyalolphora cecropia). This is a male and female mating early this month. The male is on the left, with larger antennae (click the photo for a larger image). The female proceeded to lay many eggs, and tiny caterpillars have now emerged.
I plan to raise a few of the caterpillars – the rest are available to anyone who’s interested.
I’m happy to report that a 4th generation of the 2012 Cecropia moth has arrived. I had an early morning call from my friend, Jannine Baker, who was surprised and delighted to find that her first Cecropia moth had emerged. This moth is the equivalent of the great-grandaughter of the original moth found by my friend, Amanda, in 2012. My thanks to Jannine for sharing her photograph.
Last year, several folks reported 3rd generation Cecropias emerging from the first week of May through early June. I will be watching my Cecropia cocoons, and encourage others who have cocoons to do the same.
I was delighted to see several monarchs at The Lexington Arboretum yesterday. This is one of five that I saw nectaring, and I’m confident there were more.
Harry and I recently visited Natural Bridge State Resort Park. It’s a bit early for autumn color, and getting late for many insects. I wasn’t sure what we’d see, and I was glad to find several different caterpillars.
This is a curled up Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar (Halysidota tessellaris). I’m guessing the arrangement of the stiff spines discourages predators, and I’m intrigued by the design. At first glance, it’s hard to tell it’s a caterpillar.
