American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

 

Much more interesting looking than the drab brown/grey moth it becomes.

 

Much less safe to pick up than the drab brown/grey moth it becomes.

 

Those rear spines can break off in your skin.

 

The spines and hairs contain toxins that can irritate the skin and can cause a rash.

 

I never try to pick up an insect I’m photographing.  I’ll use a stick or a stiff leaf for that.  One web site I visited quoted the maxim:  “Look up before you pick up”.   Sounds like good advice to me.

 

Thank you for stopping by.

David

All photos taken with a Nikon D7100 and a Sigma 105mm macro lens.