For no particular reason, here is a picture of a caterpillar:
This photo was taken just after sunset at Griffith Prairie – owned and managed by Prairie Plains Resource Institute. North of Aurora, Nebraska. June 27, 2006.
I was looking through some old photos and stumbled upon this one. I’d forgotten how much I liked it, and thought I’d share it with you.
Among other things, I like the “flyaway hair” of this caterpillar. I hope it brightens your day..
The Prairie Ecologist 
Stunning photograph!
Chris,
This is one of my favorite images of yours.
Mine too, Lynn. Usually, I like my more recent photos better than old ones, but this is one bucks that trend. I guess that might be a good indication of its quality! This was taken not too long after I got my first digital SLR back in 2006…
Most everything you share Chris “brightens my day.” Thank you for the consistent, diligent look into another world and another perspective.
You’re welcome Michael! Glad I can help…
I heartily agree! Well said, Michael.
Thank you Chris. Your “eye” for beauty is a blessing. I like the photo too.
The hairs remind me of the starling that grabbed a gypsy moth caterpillar and scrubbed it in the roadside gravel to break the spines before eating it. Great photo!
Any guess on the ID of this caterpillar?
Danny – not sure. Maybe salt marsh caterpillar (Estigmene acrea) but I’m just guessing. I’ve got another photo of it that shows the back (top?) but it doesn’t help ME with ID.
The black and yellow face is one of the characteristics I use to distinguish E. acrea from Spilosoma virginica.
A great way to start the day with a smile at the beautiful caterpillar! His or her hair looks like mine today!
Yes, Chris, it brightens my day — as usual. I love to be reminded of all interests in prairies. And this weekend I’ll attend the Day of Insects at Reiman Garden at Iowa State University. I learned about DOI several years ago while attending a prairie meeting. So much to learn about non-plant items about prairies.
Tell MJ hi for me!
Love it! Kind of like what I see in the mirror first thing in the morning.
Who knew? Caterpillars have halos!
What a fantastic picture.
Nice job focusing right on his (her?) face! This would be quite scary if we didn’t know that he is very small.
Every hair in place!
Great pic, as usual. Any info on species?
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People pay a lot of money to get their hair arranged like that.
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