When Beate told me what these caterpillars were I read about them. They also like birch leaves, so I sent Andy a text to have him check ours.
He said, “They really work fast!” He had seen the birch just a few days before and no sign of caterpillars, now over half the leaves had been eaten.
This tree too has sentimental value. Andy’s folks brought it as a baby from Montana about thirty years ago. It too burned to the ground and came back, so it will no doubt survive. Andy is looking for something to help protect it.
September 7, 2021
heavenly days! what Are those caterpillars?
they’re almost like locust swarms in their devastation.
the fact that the tree came back from the fire is amazing in itself. XO
Those caterpillars were a big surprise. We had never seen them before. One adventure after another.
Looks like the caterpillar of death!
Don’t they look wicked. 😀
I have my internet connection again, finally. That’s a wicked looking caterpillar for sure. You mentioned the birch surviving fire and I wonder if the area where you are had a wildfire?
Yes, our land was covered with trees until June 2011. Then all but one were burned down in a forest fire. Here are some pictures of the devastation: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cheerfulmonk/albums/72157627498907082
I have never seen a caterpillar like that before. They sure have done some serious work on that tree.
Yes, hungry little critters.
I, too, wonder what kind of caterpillar that is.
Beate thinks it’s a mourning cloak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphalis_antiopa I agree after looking at some pictures.
I am also wondering what kind of caterpillar that is and if it’s meant to make a butterfly or a moth. It sure did a number on that tree very quickly
It’s a mourning cloak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphalis_antiopa, and it’s a caterpillar. It’s not the kind that pollinates flowers, apparently it sucks sap from trees. 🙁
Ohhhhh, so wicked looking! I hope something is found to protect it!!
I’m curious to see what he does. At the moment he’s up to his ears in other things. There are enough things going on up there to keep him from being bored. 🙂
That is one ugly caterpillar. We too are curious what kind it is.
A mourning cloak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphalis_antiopa
Another sweet family memory! I know Andy will do whatever he can to ensure it survives.
Yes, he will eventually find something to try. 🙂
goodness – that’s a whole community of them ‘pillars! A munchin’ away…
Yes, way too many!