Eat me!

[Loupey]

A couple days ago I came upon one lone plant among a field of various wildflowers, prairie grasses, and other “miscellaneous” plants. This one plant was nearly eaten to the core in some places as it was covered with caterpillars which were found only on this plant.

Once I started to photograph them, the slightest disturbance caused them to freeze and peel back like bananas in order to show off their orange under parts and tails. I surmised that they must be toxic and their defense is to advertise this fact.

In nature, the juiciest most delicious creatures are the very fast, the very timid, or the most camouflaged

[CaraRose]

That last shot is awesome!

I think these guys are Yellow-Necked Caterpillars

[Eric D]

Awesome detail and clarity Loupey!!! Cool looking critter as well!

That last shot should be a Feature Photo nomination~~~ Cheers!

[Loupey]

Cara - thanks for the ID - that's it exactly! Too bad it's a nuisance critter

Eric - thanks for the comment. Can't pick ourselves tho

[paulnj]

great images and I love the way they arch back .