Saddleback Spikey by TwoPynts
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Description
"Don't you know it isn't polite to point?" ~~~~~
Not a very clear photo, but this tiny little critter moved faster than it's awkward appearance belies, so it was hard to get him all in focus. It is so odd looking I just had to include it in my Spikey series. I've only come across this kind of caterpillar once and haven't seen another since. ----- Saddleback Caterpillar Moth(Acharia stimulea) SIZE: 1 inch (25 mm) COLOR: Purplish-brown body with a purplish saddle shape on its green back. DESCRIPTION: The saddleback caterpillar is about an inch long, and has poisonous spines on four large projections (tubercles) and many smaller ones that stick out from the sides of its body. The "saddle" consists of an oval purplish-brown spot in the middle of a green patch on the back. Saddleback caterpillars feed on the leaves of basswood, chestnut, cherry, plum, oak, and other trees and shrubs. It is seen more often than the moth it becomes. HABITAT: The saddleback caterpillar is a general feeder and is generally found on shade trees and ornamental shrubs in late summer. LIFE CYCLE: Adults tend to take flight in mid-summer. TYPE OF DAMAGE: The poisonous hairs or spins are hollow and connected to underlying poison glands. Contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting. The irritation can last for a day or two and may be accompanied by nausea during the first few hours. Usually the site of contact reddens and swells much like a bee sting. CONTROL: A person "stung" by a poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area to remove any insect hairs and poison that remain. An ice pack will help reduce swelling, and creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort and promote healing. Persons known to be sensitive to insect stings should consult a physician. Stinging caterpillars rarely occur in sufficient numbers to be considered plant pests, but people who work with ornamental plants should learn to recognize them and avoid touching them. -----
Thanks again for your fuzzy comments on my last upload,
Grey Spikey
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Olympus C8080wz & PhotoshopCS. (892)
Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2007.
Sponsored by: Kramer Kreations
Comments (46)
carlx
Fantastic capture!!! Thanks for share and info, too!!!
Margana
LMAO at that quote! Hahahahaha. Too funny. And what an odd-looking creature this is......Ooh I just read Akemi, which made me read JP...LMAO!!!!
shanpoo
Woah very cool little critter. Such an amazing shot! Next time they have a vote on photographer your tops on my list....Shannon ;}
Gor111
Oh LOL what a lovely tiny little critter you have capture here! So short but so beautiful! LOL An excellent macro shot!!!
alhak
great macro...which end is which? lol
babuinodeoro
Excellent macro of a very curious caterpillar
lil_sizzler
Well I've never seen anything like this one before and that's probably a good thing too. Catapillars give me the creeps....EEEEWWWW! Nice capture though.
vulcanccit
where are you finding these little guys? awesome!!
Janiss
Again very nice macro Kurt!
Punaguy
Looks like a mini tour bus on a cruise...some startling discoveries your unmasking here....Great shot~ Aloha~
Celtic_Lass
omg that is so cute! I've never seen one before... thanks for sharing :-)
helanker
WOOOW ! What a "Sculpture" :))) Beautiful shot :)))
addiek
Nice one Kort.... he needs his own PR... he is toocool!
Hexagon
gorgeous capture! fascinating subject. Im into insects at the moment, and the addition of species information with the image creates a great presentation. It Captures imagination, entertains and educates, what more could you ask for. ...Di (Hexagonal Mandala)
clydedough
They are real freaky i know!
mairekas
WOW!Excellent capture.