Poking around the t00bz, it was pretty easy to figure out that this was a late-instar caterpillar of the polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), judging from it's sheer size, and the yellow 'collar' surrounding its head. It must have fallen off of my neighbor's oak tree, oaks being one of the moth's favorite food trees.
Here's a closeup of the caterpillar's head, providing a good view of the leaf-munching apparatus of this (how should I put it?) very hungry caterpillar.
I kept tabs on this breakfast-sausage sized caterpillar for most of the afternoon, watching as it slowly worked its way across the yard, towards the tree from which it had fallen. If it makes it back to the canopy, it will develop into a huge, gorgeous moth.
5 comments:
Hey! I see Fred and Ginger made it to the Professional Left and are officially Internet Kitties of the Week!
Oh, wow! I have to thank DG and BG!
I added my picture I did of you with your buddy riding shotgun....
But yeah, when I saw Fred and Ginger, and the New York locale, I immediately knew who was responsible. Nicely done, sir and cats.....
Thanks! Blue Gal did her homework on F&G. They have gotten writeups in the local paper.
I hope you gave them some Freshly Poured Cat Food....
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