Sept. 19, 2008
This Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar is one of the prettiest I have seen. That almost makes up for not seeing any Monarch caterpillars this year. The yellow color of the milkweed leaf owes much to the relative dryness of September. We have had very little rain for two months. The only rain we have had came from the remnants of Hurricane Fay who gave us 2 inches while all the other hurricanes passed us by.
Sept. 19, 2008
Berries of the Spice Bush shrub have turned red while leaves are already turning yellow. These berries hold on for most of the winter. I guess the birds find better tasting food before they turn to these. Last spring, I wrote about the flowers of the Spice Bush on my blog.
I think Tussock Moths are fascinating with their very appealing fluffy looking extensions.
ReplyDeleteHappy first day of fall!
What lovely pictures!! You got the frass and all with the catepillar! It is a wonder picture of the tussock-you should be proud!
ReplyDeleteann-I agree with the note about Tussock Moths caterpillars. I wonder why they are so fluffy? Maybe not good to eat then? Joan
ReplyDeletePam--Thanks for the note about my photos. I wrote a comment on your blog about the box turtles but it was bounced back. Joan
ReplyDeleteJoan-My understanding of the innerworkings of blogs is miniscule. I don't know what happened, but the turtle comment is there now on my blog. Thanks. If you want to look for turtles-fall is a great time as they are moving about to the hibernating areas. Babies are tough to find in a forested landscape. The smallest that I have "accidentally" found had a 4 inch carapace (which is years old). The best way is to find a female laying eggs and mark the nest. Females often return to the same location so once having found one laying eggs your odds of finding it the following year are pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI think I can answer about the caterpillar fluff. You are right it is not good to eat. It is rather noxious to birds. Most birds won't eat hairy caterpillars. Cuckcoos love them! The yellow billed cuckcoo's stomach (or birdy equivalent) will become felted with the hairs and stop functioning well. This doesn't stop the bird; it just sheds the stomach lining and grows a new one! How cool and gross at the same time can something get!!??? If your trees have tent caterpillar infestations pray for cuckoos!
Again, your photos are great!
We're very dry, too.
ReplyDeleteMaples have withered and turned brown.
I had so hoped for a pretty fall.
I like the tussock cats, too.
I'm surprised yours are still munching along. Mine were weeks ago!
There may be several generations in a summer?
Nina--I am hoping for some rain tonight from a storm off the Atlantic coast but won't hold my breath.
ReplyDeleteTussock cats--I have seen these for a couple of months so perhaps they do have several generations. Joan
What a beautiful caterpillar! I've never seen him before! Great photo.
ReplyDeleteChris--I have seen this caterpillar before on the milkweed but none as pretty and as fluffy as this one! Joan
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting blog. Enjoyed reading the posts from a fellow Virginian on the other side of the hill. Blue Skies.
ReplyDelete