I'd like to see one, just one, turned into something capable of winged flight.
Sincerely,
Me
This is the second White Tussocked Moth Caterpillar that I've found making a temporary home on the side of our house. I get kinda excited when I find them.
See those little hairs (setae) all over his body??? They pull them out and spin them into their cocoon...
In the picture below you can see his little brown hairs from his horns in the mixture - most of them are near the left side of the cocoon, the direction in which he was facing while spinning it.
But damn it all...
The stupid birds got this one before he could finish his pupation. I think he was only up there for 3 days total - not enough time for him to change since it takes near two weeks for them to turn into the little moths.
There'll be others though...and seriously, there is a very full nest of baby birds in our eaves, so I can't really blame mama bird. Those little things get LOUD when they're hungry!!!
*just on a side note, if you ever come across one - avoid handling the caterpillar since contact with their little body hair commonly causes allergic reaction in humans which can lead to a stinging rash.
'til next time... ♥
There'll be others though...and seriously, there is a very full nest of baby birds in our eaves, so I can't really blame mama bird. Those little things get LOUD when they're hungry!!!
*just on a side note, if you ever come across one - avoid handling the caterpillar since contact with their little body hair commonly causes allergic reaction in humans which can lead to a stinging rash.
'til next time... ♥
Ohhhh :( Such a pretty caterpillar!!! I hope your birds find another... um... yummy snack. ;)
ReplyDeletelol! Stupid birds.... :D
DeleteSo sad! Damn birds. Maybe you could put some kind of additional protection around it while it's doing it's thing? I'm thinking a stand about 4" high with a mirror on it so the birds only see themselves. Would that work?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea, Shaina! I'll have to try that the next time I find one. I actually have a box of very small mirrors that should do the trick!
Delete