Monday, June 6, 2011

Art Picks Up a Hitchhiker

Art goes jogging before the sun comes up. This morning he brought home something that jumped onto his back during his run.

At first we thought it was something like a millipede with lots of legs. I could barely see it. I took a photo of it using my macro feature on my new Canon Powershot SX30IS. I have to report that this camera truly doesn't take macro shots well in low light. I had to take the bug to the window to get this clearer shot.

Anway, I blew up the photo and was surprised to find it was actually a caterpillar. When I fiddled with it to move it near the ruler it curved its back and stuck out the little spikes. If it's meant to intimidate a predator, it sure wouldn't do the trick since it's only about half a centimeter big, barely an appetizer for an early bird.

I sure hope we get a lot of sunny days in Yellowstone so I can get some decent photos.

21 comments:

  1. I bet the spikes irritate a predator's throat. Do you know what sort of butterfly or moth it develops into?

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  2. That's one mean-looking critter, once he's magnified!

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  3. I've not saw one of those before,, are the spikes pokey or soft,, just wondering,,

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  4. Looks like he forgot to brush his hair this morning:)

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  5. Ha, kavita beat me to the bed hair comment.
    He is a fierce looking fellow.

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  6. Good to know he's so small, otherwise he really WOULD be scary! I look forward to your pictures in Yellowstone, Kay.

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  7. Yep, I was thinking the same thing -- he needs to comb his hair before getting his picture taken! Fun shot, Kay! I'm holding good thoughts for lots of sun in Yellowstone!!

    Sylvia

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  8. well, it's something I wouldn't want on MY back!!! lol

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  9. Yuck! I wouldn't want that on me or I'd be doing the icky dance!

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  10. Ewww... hope it's a pretty butterfly. Looks mean and like it could sting. You need a pet gecko...they're supposed to eat bugs. DrumMajor

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  11. I agree with Joyce. I would probably scream, rather than getting out a ruler and a macro lens. But it's quite funny that it flexed it spikes at you.
    Hope you have super weather when you're over this way. Right now it's cloudy, with a few days of rain in the forecast. Very unusual here.
    I'm going to the wet west coast at the end of the month, and my niece tells me the weather is wonderful there right now.
    Nothing is predictable any more.
    — K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  12. scary...glad its little and doesn't bite

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  13. What a cute little guy! I wonder if he enjoyed his adventure on Art's back.

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  14. a caterpillar! wow, I don't see those too often.

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  15. A furry caterpillar wanted to move a little faster through the world, so he attached himself to Art. At least you got to practice with your new camera.

    When are you leaving for Yellowstone?

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  16. He's a bit small to be a good pet. too bad. You could call him Spike.

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  17. What an interesting little bug. He almost looks like he has a smile on his face. I'm excited for you going to Yellowstone and I wish you many sunny days. We're going out there this September all being well. Can't wait!

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  18. I don't mind bugs as long as they don't bite. At least it was not a stinging bug.

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  19. New camera, nice!
    The bug I can do without, though.

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