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Imperial Moth Caterpillar

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The15thMember:
This morning I was outside cleaning some bottom board inserts, and I heard my sister call up from the barn, "REAGAN?!  WHAT IS THIS?!"  I went down and found her looking down at the biggest caterpillar I have ever seen galloping across the ground.  I set the bottom board insert I was carrying in front of him, he crawled onto it, and we took him in the house.  (I never touch an unknown hairy caterpillar, since some species have urticating (vemon-producing) hairs.  He was perfectly safe however. :smile:)  It turned out to be an imperial moth caterpillar.  We have seen imperial moths before, both as adults and caterpillars, but never one in it's final instar.     

Kathyp:
Are you going to keep it until it changes?

The15thMember:

--- Quote from: Kathyp on September 24, 2023, 08:35:14 pm ---Are you going to keep it until it changes?

--- End quote ---
No, it's a soil pupating moth, so it wouldn't be much fun to watch anyway.  We do have a spicebush swallowtail pupating in our garden right now though.  I can't seem to find the pictures I took of it.  :embarassed:   

The15thMember:
Of course, right when I gave up I found it.  :cheesy:  Although I was just informed that it's not there anymore, so something must have eaten it.  :sad:

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