Miggs and i woke up ay 6:15am as we do every day this time of year as I am the type of person who likes to greet the sun rise and the wake up of nature . I get my cuppa tea and camera and go sit on the back patio porch at the table and enjoy watching and listening to the birds and critters of course my Miggs is with me . This morning was no different well ok it was it was cool and dewy temps were a chilly 10C or 50F I like to call it fresh as in the cooler air in the summer you can smell all the sweet blooms and the smell of the dewy water on everything , any who I am sitting there in awe and then I spotted something hanging off of our birch tree , so knowing me I go to investigate .. well what do we have here !
Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillars hundreds of them as they were making their way down to the ground in the warmth of the sun rise .
It was awesome to see this let alone capture it in a photo ! .
But never touch these guys they are poisonous .
What happens after you touch a Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar?
The caterpillar can leave behind venom that can cause a rash similar to that caused by nettles or poison ivy. Symptoms can range from slight reddening of the skin to a burning sensation with swelling and pain. Some people may experience an allergic reaction which could include nausea.
This is what they turn into .
Hickory Tussock Moth or Hickory Tiger Moth
Lophocampa caryae
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Identification: Forewing yellow with brown shading and bands of translucent white spots representing usual lines. Hind wing very pale, translucent yellow, unmarked.
Wing Span: 3.7-5.5 cm.
Life History: Females lay batches of eggs. Early instars stay together in clusters; later instars are not found in groups.
Flight: May-June.
Caterpillar Hosts: Ashes, elms, hickories, maples, oaks, and other trees.
Range: Nova Scotia to North Carolina mountains, west to Ontario, Wisconsin, and Texas. Absent from much of midwestern part of range.
So I got a rake and relocated them to the far away hedge of the property.
Then The sun rise was shining so pretty on my butterfly, bee , hummer garden and I had to take a photo or two lol !
We are soo please at how well this garden has turned out and all of natures creatures are just loving it !
Well so far that is my morning this morning I wonder what the day will bring oh I cant wait .
Miggs and I are off for our walk .
Take time to look listen and enjoy nature it will amaze you ! It does me every second of every day !
Until next time .
Country Gal
