An oldy posted in 2014, revisited for today. We had a van back in those days.
Gregg came in and told me that there was a very interesting caterpillar climbing up the side of his van, that I might want to take some photos. I grabbed my camera!
I had never seen one like this before. It was a very interesting little caterpillar.
Not wise to pick them up with fingers. It can stick you with those bristles, which can be quite itchy and uncomfortable and cause a rash. A good defense mechanism.
We must have known somehow.
We were going out in the van and we didn't have the time to wait for it to make its own way off our vehicle, even with all those tiny feet. Our little caterpillar was moved to a more appropriate spot in the garden.
I went online and found this link. It is a Banded Tussock Moth - Halysidota tessellaris. Wonderful little thing!
"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."
~Aristotle~
Thanks for looking and have a great day!
Added note on Saturday, June 28th, 2025:
To see the Banded Tussock Moth as it is with wings, you can click on the website address below.
Wonderful photos of this magnificent ❤️ caterpillar 🦋 Denise. I also love your last image with your name. Brilliant 👏
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, I very much appreciate you saying so :)
DeleteI have never seen one like this either!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen one since Ginny :)
DeleteIt is beautiful. And no, I wouldn't touch it. Those fine hairs can itch and sting.
ReplyDeleteSo I hear EC., certainly don't want to find out :)
DeleteWhat a marvelous encounter. There’s something so quietly enchanting about pausing to appreciate a tiny creature like that, especially when nature’s defense mechanisms come so beautifully bristled
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have put it better Roentare, it has evolved into something very beautiful and it doesn't stop there - thank you :)
DeleteThat's a lovely looking caterpillar :-D
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Ananka, thank you :)
DeleteI love finding things like that and discovering what they are. Beautiful little creature.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's what makes life fun for me, discovering and learning something new :)
DeleteIt's lovely to look at, but I’d definitely keep my hands off!
ReplyDeleteVery wise Veronica :)
Deletethis one is truly marvelous to see!!! I once stepped on one similar to this and boy did that hurt.
ReplyDeleteOuch, that would have hurt! :0
DeleteWell I must say it looks cute.
ReplyDeleteI thought so too Margaret :)
DeleteThey are beautiful as you say, but they can raise a nasty rash on your skin if they are handled.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't like to find that out David, that's for sure :)
DeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne :)
DeleteVery interesting! It looks a bit like a glass brush...
ReplyDeleteThat's a good description of it Angie :)
DeleteGreat photos of the caterpillar. I don't think I've ever seen one like that before.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I hadn't either at the time, and I haven't seen one since :)
DeleteGreat captures of the caterpillar! It is strange looking. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen it is but beautiful at the same time. You take care and enjoy your day also :)
DeleteAwwww....I love caterpillars too. What great pictures, Denise. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea :) that is so nice that you love caterpillars. They certainly are beautiful little creatures. Thank you and sending hugs xoxox
DeleteInteresting caterpillar
ReplyDeleteIt is, thank you Christine :)
DeleteInteresting. Did you see a picture of the moth it will become?
ReplyDeleteI did, it's a lovely little moth. If you look at the link it will show what it looks like. I should have added that to my post. If I can find a royalty free photo I will :)
DeleteThat's a new one to me. It would catch my eye.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I hope I see it again one day. It's been years and I still haven't set eyes on another :)
DeleteAristotle was most wise. Thanks for the photo, Denise.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly was. You are very welcome Gigi and thank you :)
DeleteWow! Have never seen one like that before.
ReplyDeleteDoes make you stop and realize how truly amazing nature is. :)
Never have seen one before Rita, never seen one since :) I agree with what you said, nature is absolutely amazing!
DeleteWhat excellent photos of this beauty.
ReplyDeleteHugs cecilia
Thank you Cecilia, much appreciated :) Sending hugs!
DeleteNice photo! As a kid, I got a raised rash from one of these and had to have a poultice to get the sting out.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend and thanks for telling me about that memory. I have heard of these poultices.
Deletei didn't know...it is a cute little critter and you got some wonderful images!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, I remember being very happy how the photos turned out and am enjoying them after finding them again :)
DeleteHas aprovechado bien la ocasión para fotografiarla y con distintos encuadres.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Thank you very much. I appreciate you saying so. Wishing you a happy weekend :)
DeleteGreat photos of this fun creature!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen, he certainly was :)
DeleteThat looks like a brush of some sort with green slime!
ReplyDeleteIt does rather :)
DeleteA close-up of the caterpillar, very interesting. I don't see a face as shown in the last picture. I've heard this quote before, and always liked it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have pleasant July days ahead, Denise.
~Sheri
Thanks Sheri, I have to admit, I don't know which end is which. I'll have to take a close look at photos on nature pages. Yes, it's a great quote! Happy July to you too Sheri :)
DeleteI've ever seen one like that either. It's quite striking.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jeanie :)
DeleteLindo bicho. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteGracias, es muy lindo. ¡Te mando un beso!
DeleteI've seen these! And yes, you don't want to pet them or pick them up!
ReplyDeleteGood to know, thanks Val :)
DeleteWhat a neat little crawler to capture. I love when stuff like this happens. And we just gotta get the shot. Not long ago a turtle showed up under the stairs. So fun. Had to grab the camera. For sure.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was very cool. I agree, these are fun when they happen out of the blue, like your turtle :) Always got to grab a camera :)
DeleteHe does look a rather splendid fellow and you took some great photos of him. Hope he liked your garden better than the van and that he kept away from munching any favourite plants of yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he had a feast back there Beverley :)
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