For the last few weeks, we have been enjoying exploring insects (both "friendly" and "mean"). It all started by getting stung by saddleback caterpillars in the corn patch. These little buggers are quite attractive, but their bristles are poisonous and pack quite a punch if you touch them. Mamaw, Thomas, and I have all been stung at some point. This must be a "good" year for saddlebacks. The adventure continued with a Praying Mantis that took up residence on the kitchen ceiling. Thomas named him "Jimmy," and for several days, we enjoyed looking for him each morning. We haven't seen him in a while, so he may be off to greener pastures with more bugs to eat by now. The most exciting chapter in our insect tale involves "Houdini," a monarch caterpillar that we found on a milkweed plant. We brought him inside and made him a comfy home in a big glass jar. Thomas named him "Houdini" after a monarch caterpillar in one of his current favorite books. For several days, Houdini feasted on the milkweed leaves, and then one day, he escaped! Thomas was at Child Study Center, and I searched all over for Houdini, thinking that perhaps Jimmy had eaten him! Finally, I found him floating in a glass of water. I put him on a paper towel to dry, but he was limp and bloated, and I thought for sure he would die. But what do I know about caterpillar lifeguarding...within 30 minutes, he was back on his feet looking for his milkweed. I put him back in his "house," and by the next morning, he had shed his skin and turned into a beautiful lime green chrysalis. Unfortunately, he chose a very unphotogenic spot to pupate, so I haven't been able to take any pictures. We'll keep you updated on his progress. Will he stay with us all winter?
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| Saddleback caterpillar |
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| Looking at Jimmy on the kitchen ceiling |
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| Jimmy |
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