A Monarch caterpillar munching on a milkweed plant.
I spent a long time with this caterpillar today. Caterpillars are easier than butterflies. If they are eating, they will stay in one spot for awhile. I did find out something interesting. If you poke them, they will play dead and you have to wait for them to get over it. :0)
Thank you so much for the wonderful responses for my pics the last few days! I can't tell you how much it means to me!!! :0)
I really like your work. I just found you by checking out "latest" section in browse. I think we both share a passion for insects and macro photography. I am going to enjoy following you.
Great shot!! I saved a young one yesterday...he was stranded on a rock in the birdbath that is near my milkweed...I bent the milkweed down so he could get on it. :)
You actually made me laugh with that whole poking incident. This guy is just amazingly cool! I almost couldn't tell which end was which, but then I noticed which way the legs were facing! He's just too cute!
Another great pic! I have raised tobacco hornworms (hawkmoths) in the classroom a few times through the years. I love how cute their BACK "legs/feet" are..the front 6 are "insect legs" like thy keep when they are adult. But I call the back ones, "teddy bear feet" because they are fat and soft, turn inwards...they have that venus flytrap hair looking thing and if they get a hold of my finger, I can barely get them to let go.So cute.
@espyetta Thank you! We raised Painted Ladies in my kindergarten class. It was so interesting and the children loved it. Did you get your caterpillars from Insect Lore?
I love the look of this caterpillar.