This is the caterpillar of Citheronia splendens, I picked up eggs of several silkmoths on my trip to Arizona and have been rearing them for photographic subjects. I'll be posting several other species at different stages, grist for the macro lighting experimental mill. Been busy, will slowly fill in my calendar for the last few weeks.
What a great idea...collecting the eggs and stuying the different stages to photograph. I remember collecting caterpillars as a kid and keeping them in a box watching them make cocoons and seeing the moths come out! This is a wonderful looking creature....highlighted by your excellent macro. His 'spines' look as if they have been dipped in paint.
