The Wonders of Nature

Camouflage is so amazing. I was looking out to my greenhouse and saw this stick hanging on one of my deck posts. Upon closer examination, I realized it isn't a stick but a caterpillar. You can just make out the silk thread at the top of its body. I wonder what kind of moth/butterfly it will be come?

Good eyes Howard. I would not have seen that little guy. He really is camouflaged well to look like a little limb. Nature is so amazing. Thanks for the share.

Cheers,
BD

That is really cool!

cool!

Hey Paul any idea as to I.D. Or how long it might take to morph
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well there is always google. Unlike in 1990.



well need to search more to find out what it is

BioOne Online Journals - Resistance Among Lantana Cultivars to the Lantana Stick Caterpillar, Neogalea sunia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

here says southern US...
Neogalea - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lepidoptera What's Bugging You? Scroll down in this link,,,,

So it would appear that it belongs to the Family: Geometridae then, eh? A little further checking indicates that it is likely of the Genus Pero .

On a related note, I do not remember if this particular "stick" caterpillar is native to North America, but there is at least one type that is carnivorous. It feeds on flies and other 'bugs'. I recall seeing it on a nature documentary (yes, I am the geeky/nerdy type who actually enjoys watching such shows ). The caterpillar would remain in "stick mode" until a fly got too close then would snap around, capture the fly, and devour it.