A truly marvelous post, Sydney! I love your photographs (and your daughter's), and certainly your right-there-in-the-field observations. Wishing you good chances of photographing the moths on the wing eventually!
Thanks so much for the wonderful information and almost coming out to say small personal use gardening AND large commercial use gardening should always prepare for and respect what nature provides, planting more than we alone may need is smart. As a species we always take our rights to the extreme, always heading toward dominion. This prevalence, this greediness supported by laws, ignorance and stupidity will be the death of this planet.
Thank you, Lola, and you are so right. A change in mindset - to live in this world as partners each making the best of our place in it, would be transformative. As it is, the prevalent mindset is overwhelmingly destructive 😢
I'm glad you're taking a "give and take" approach with the caterpillars. It's a great way to coexist with wildlife and appreciate the beauty they bring to our lives. I'm curious to see if you'll be able to witness the metamorphosis into moths. It sounds like a truly magical experience.
What a lovely little guy! And I echo your philosophy of sharing. As long as the critters don’t completely decimate a crop, I’m happy to have everyone at the table.
And “food-coma-comfy-snooze-face” is my favorite face ever.
"So my personal field observations indicate that this is less alarm-face and more food-coma-comfy-snooze-face. (Which, naturally, I relate to on a deeply primal level.)" Made me laugh out loud - thank you! Cool photos!
More than ever - I got confused when Substack told me you replied to my comment on Give and Take - I called my post this week almost the same thing! Me talking about reciprocity in human relationships and you illustrating reciprocity in nature! Too cool!
Love the close-up images of these caterpillars, Sydney. Caterpillars are such a facinating creature and interesting to think that they'll soon transform into butterflies.
Thanks so much, Neil! They sure are - such variety at all the stages, too! I hope we see the moths next year, they're really stunning - but it's never guaranteed, even when you're on the lookout.
Thanks so much, Gary - and thank you for the coffee! That was such a delightful surprise 💕
I think that this hanging behavior, which they were all doing at once, may have had something todo with preparing to cocoon. I also think they must do most of their moving around in the evening, because there was no sign of them the next day 🤷🏼♀️ But they will over-winter in the cocoon and emerge in spring, so here's hoping!
Happy sigh. So beautiful!! So fascinating. Thanks so much. 🤗🤗
Thanks, Beth, so glad to share these funny little caterpillars with you!
A truly marvelous post, Sydney! I love your photographs (and your daughter's), and certainly your right-there-in-the-field observations. Wishing you good chances of photographing the moths on the wing eventually!
Thank you so much, Christine, fingers crossed!
What adorable caterpillars. There is just something about those hand-like feet!
I know, right? 🤣 Funny little creatures 💚
More proof that it’s hard to have enemies once you get to know them intimately.
Thanks so much for the wonderful information and almost coming out to say small personal use gardening AND large commercial use gardening should always prepare for and respect what nature provides, planting more than we alone may need is smart. As a species we always take our rights to the extreme, always heading toward dominion. This prevalence, this greediness supported by laws, ignorance and stupidity will be the death of this planet.
Thank you, Lola, and you are so right. A change in mindset - to live in this world as partners each making the best of our place in it, would be transformative. As it is, the prevalent mindset is overwhelmingly destructive 😢
I'm glad you're taking a "give and take" approach with the caterpillars. It's a great way to coexist with wildlife and appreciate the beauty they bring to our lives. I'm curious to see if you'll be able to witness the metamorphosis into moths. It sounds like a truly magical experience.
Thanks so much, Mo! I do hope we get to see the moths next year :)
Gorgeous little alien things!! How delightful 🐛
Thanks so much, Emily! I definitely think they are little aliens every time I look at their faces 🤣
I always feel happy, peaceful, and like I've learned something after reading your posts, Sydney.❤️
Thank you so much, Maria, that sounds like just everything I'm hoping for when I share a story!💕
What a lovely little guy! And I echo your philosophy of sharing. As long as the critters don’t completely decimate a crop, I’m happy to have everyone at the table.
And “food-coma-comfy-snooze-face” is my favorite face ever.
So true, Kimberly, thank you! 🤣
"So my personal field observations indicate that this is less alarm-face and more food-coma-comfy-snooze-face. (Which, naturally, I relate to on a deeply primal level.)" Made me laugh out loud - thank you! Cool photos!
Yay, Gillian, so glad you're right there with me!🤣 Thanks so much :)
More than ever - I got confused when Substack told me you replied to my comment on Give and Take - I called my post this week almost the same thing! Me talking about reciprocity in human relationships and you illustrating reciprocity in nature! Too cool!
Oh how fun, Gillian, I always enjoy when wavelengths align. Looking forward to reading your piece 💕
https://sparkinthedark.substack.com/p/some-give-and-take?r=pna8j
Ahh! What cute, chunky lil creatures. Love them and your story. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Lindsay! I know, there is just something ridiculously cute about a chunky caterpillar 🤣
Love the close-up images of these caterpillars, Sydney. Caterpillars are such a facinating creature and interesting to think that they'll soon transform into butterflies.
Thanks so much, Neil! They sure are - such variety at all the stages, too! I hope we see the moths next year, they're really stunning - but it's never guaranteed, even when you're on the lookout.
These caterpillars are delightful. Will they cocoon shortly? Then become adults later this year?
Thanks so much, Gary - and thank you for the coffee! That was such a delightful surprise 💕
I think that this hanging behavior, which they were all doing at once, may have had something todo with preparing to cocoon. I also think they must do most of their moving around in the evening, because there was no sign of them the next day 🤷🏼♀️ But they will over-winter in the cocoon and emerge in spring, so here's hoping!
This is a wonderful garden project, sharing with your new friends 🐛
Thanks so much, we do love to share!💕