The Wonders of Nature

[Bikerdoc5968]

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?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

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

[navyderek]

That is really cool!

[pavel]

cool!

[Bikerdoc5968]

Hey Paul any idea as to I.D. Or how long it might take to morph
Posted via Mobile Device

[stefpix]

well there is always google. Unlike in 1990.



well need to search more to find out what it is

[stefpix]

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

[stefpix]

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

[Bikerdoc5968]

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

[pavel]

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.