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| At the southwest corner of Mickle Hall, our toothache tree (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), is currently playing host to an interesting guest. |
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| The guest has such intriguing camouflage. It's pictured center. Can you see it? |
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| This is the caterpillar Papilio cresphontes. Does it resemble a tree lichen or something that a bird (or lizard) might have left behind? Either way, the bulbous shape and color combination allows this individual to blend in with its surroundings. It's a startlingly effective natural camouflage! |
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| This individual measures 2 inches long. It vigorously scooted away as soon as I put it down. No threatening red 'tongue' was revealed during this encounter. After the brief photoshoot, the caterpillar was returned to the toothache tree to continue its snacking. |
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| The caterpillar was originally found here, on this little toothache tree, which was planted in the arboretum this past spring. There were two caterpillars found on this small, young tree, and they were allowed to stay for several days since they didn't appear to have particularly large appetites and it's about time for our deciduous trees to drop their leaves. While on this little toothache, the caterpillars revealed their famous red 'tongues.' |
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| After the two caterpillars nearly stripped all of the upper leaflets, it was time for them to be relocated. Both caterpillars were placed on the mature toothache tree at the southwest corner of Mickle Hall. Only one of which was later found for this photo blog. We hope the other one found a safe place for its next stage of development. |
