Automeris cecrops pamina

An IO moth larva from Arizona, the spines on these caterpillars can inflict a serious sting. Playing with macro and flash, need to work on diffuser.

[Jill (Emeraldboots)]

This is stunning Rob! You have done well with capturing it and I love how you have composed the photo. I also have never seen anything like this and if I do...I know to beware because of you!

[wahyu]

WoW!

[scooter]

This is really cool, I have not seen something like this before.

[Kerri]

That's seriously cool! Are they around Tucson?

[Robert Velten]

@kerristephens Yes Kerri, up in the sky mountains, the host plant is oak. These are from Gardner Canyon on the NE side of the Santa Rita mountains.

[Robert Velten]

I meant Sky Island mountain ranges. @kerristephens

[Kerri]

That's awesome!! What a beautiful creature

[Heidi]

The conqueror worm.

[aikimomm (phoebe)]

Nice one!

[Carolyn White]

Awesome capture! I hope you didn't get stung.

[alia_801]

Fantastic shot - lovely detail. He looks like he's got a snowflake on his face! I hope you didn't get too close though.

[Geertje K.]

the texture on that larva is amazing! really cool!

[robinwarner]

really interesting shot. nice one

[Margaret Tryon]

Excellent shot and I've never seen one before.

[bruni]

looks more like a pretty ornament than a moth larva.

[Zoe Ferrie]

Cool capture, does look very spiky though!

[kammy]

ewww... cool shot though..

[Glenys Hardy (Mrs Moose)]

Natural world is full of so many facinating creatures that we may never get to know of or see if it wasn't for your wonderful Photography and telling us their details. Thanks Robert.

[Kimmi]

Cool critter

[Brad Johnson]

Incredibly cool.