Hickory Horned Devil 2

I raised four of these Hickory Horned Devils from about 3/4 of an inch; to their full size of about 4.5 inches. They ate foliage from many Sweet Gum branches that I pruned and supplied them in their terrarium. It took about 4 weeks for them to reach the size/age when they buried in their terrarium mud bottom where they will pupate and one day emerge, I hope, as Regal Moths.

 

No, these guys don't sting believe it or not although they look like they would eat your arm off. There are only four caterpillars in south Louisiana that sting: Io Moth, Buck Moth, Puss Moth & Saddleback Moth caterpillars.

Creepy, but beautiful!!! I love the upside down pose on this one. What does your family think of this breeding program?

Hi Jeanne, these things are so flexible, I like the upside down stuff they do to. The family likes the raising butterflies/moths. I used to do it before Katrina but my two youngest were to young to remember, so, they are getting involved.

Then, my wife brings an aquarium/terrarium in to her classroom of 5th graders and lets them watch and get involved in the process. The milkweed butterfly/caterpillar has a pretty quick cycle. When the butterfly emerges from its crysalis she lets the kisds name it and after the wings are ready to fly a few hours later, she takes the kids outside and lets them release it. Its really an interesting thing to witness, be involved in.

I plant what is called host plants, ones that I know the caterpillars eat - the adult butterfly knows what plants their caterpillars will eat and lays eggs on them.

I have yet to get a moth to make the complete cycle in captivity but we're hoping these make it.

Thanks,

Kirk

Another great shot ... yep, I gotta agree with the above commenter, these things do creep me out nowadays but the ones you shot here are so unusual and interestedly shot.

That has got to be the coolest caterpillar I''ve ever seen. I will have to Google the moth to see what that species will look like when it comes out. Those suction feet are huge like octopus arms and the head gear is fabulous. You have done a nice job of capturing the colours and the pose is nice. I like how the leaf follows through on the arch set up by the caterpillar. The way the light falls on you subject yet is subdued towards the edges of the frame works well and seems natural as apposed to added after the fact. I've been away from home most of the summer but I am home now, so must go out and check up on the local monarch caterpillars which should be hatching around now. Nice to see you posting once in awhile. All the best and good luck with hatching out the adults.

Look at me on the highwire, spotlit. Let me entertain you.

 

 

Okay, I've anthropomorphized this little one, but can you blame me?

Regular acrobatics - fantastic photograph. Thanks and regards.

They look like some new ride at the insect amusement park. Just an amazing shot with great use of light to highlight these voracious little devils.

 

I really enjoyed your story of your wife taking this caterpillar into the classroom. What a wonderful experience for the kids to participate in, real education in the wonder of life and the kind of thing that will produce children with a heightened sense of curiousity and respect for nature. A good teacher can use this in so many ways to open the kids minds up to the living world.

Gordon, these are amazing and at least two so far were successful in emerging as adults. Don't know if they found a mate after I released them or not.

 

Jeff, you do have a way with words.

 

Jack, you're right about the heightened awareness. When my wife teached art, she would teach about a certain time period or artist and then have the kids use that style to create something. It was amazing to see some of the kids that struggled in their regular curriculum classes just come up with some great art work, which got them some positive attention, which in turn gave them a confidence that carried over into their structured classes where they showed improvement - and this is a private school.

I believe book learning is important but there are just so many things from art to nature that many kids are not exposed to that when they are, become stimulated and interested in learning.

 

Thanks,

Kirk

Thanks for the wonderful photo and the informative stories to go with it. Good luck on completing the cycle.

What a beast!!! Your processing works well and I like the slight tilt. Good leading lines !

Nice to see you back, Kirk. This is a really nice, crisp shot of this little critter.