What is this??

[Lynnea]

My dad found this very interesting, er, caterpillar? in the yard today. But can someone please tell me what it should develop into--if anything? I can't even tell which end is front... As you can see, it is about a 1/2" long, if that. I don't know how my dad spotted it, but he's obviously very observant!

 

[LBoz]

That is the cutest thing! It looks like a tiny Scottie dog with a sweater on! Wonder what it is?

 

[Lynnea]

The Moth

Actually, I just found out by doing a little research. It's called a "Saddleback caterpillar" and the hairy things will sting--my dad found that out unfortunately, so I have avoided touching it! I'm now trying to find a photo of what they turn into; some kind of moth is the only thing I know. I like your comparison, BTW!

...okay, found the moth and here's what it turns into (very ordinary):

 

[SnakesRule1234]

Cool! I like to find odd caterpillars and see what they turn out to be... I never catch any butterflies, though.

So, keep it and find out. Looks like it might be pretty...

 

[SnakesRule1234]

Ew. Well, I googled it, and I take the "looks like it might be pretty" comment back.

.. It'll be really ugly.

 

[alan]

...okay, found the moth and here's what it turns into (very ordinary):

I was kind of sad that it was such a plain adult, but wasn't that a good website?

 

[Lynnea]

Yeah, what a letdown...

Yep, good website--learned something new, at least! I'll still probably keep it just to watch it hopefully spin its cocoon.

 

[PurraLovesJazz]

hmm, at least its a pretty caterpillar. I found a whole bunch of monarch-looking ones once, kept them,and they all turned into pretty black swallowtail butterflies. ^^

 

[Lynnea]

hmm, at least its a pretty caterpillar. I found a whole bunch of monarch-looking ones once, kept them,and they all turned into pretty black swallowtail butterflies. ^^

Now, that would be a wonderful experience! I remember my first day of school in first grade because I was the first child to arrive in the room, and my teacher brought me over to a cage with monarch caterpillars in it. It was fascinating to me, and when they all turned into butterflies and we released them, it was a thrill! I've never forgotten what I learned about Monarchs.