"… to be used for nature study and as a preserve for birds and other wildlife."- Carmen Hambleton Warner
I feel like my week could be a passage from Eric Carle’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
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Cecropia Moth Caterpillar |
They eat, and eat, and eat some more, I’ve been sure to check their food supply, Wild Black Cherry leaves, a couple times a day! Just like the caterpillars from Eric Carle’s book, I’m sure they would eat an entire picnic if I gave it to them!
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Hungry Cecropia Moth Caterpillars at the end of a long day |
A caterpillar has just one job, to eat. Since adult Cecropia moths do not have mouth parts, these caterpillars must consume enough food to supply themselves through adulthood. Without proper nutrition a caterpillar might not have enough energy to undergo metamorphosis and reproduce. Once the caterpillar is ready it will spin a tough cocoon. Inside, it will complete metamorphosis and emerge early summer of the next year. Below is an adult Cecropia:
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Luna Moth Caterpillar |
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Monarch Caterpillars |