Tuesday 14 August 2012

Have you ever seen an IO moth?

I'm sure you've seen photos. They have a large spot on their wings that looks like an eye.
I won't steal a photo to show you, but you can visit Wikipedia for one.
This is the larvae of this beautiful moth. I found a caterpillar in my Hops vines. Not only that, but found two. Buster was no help at all, relaxing on pillows.
I made the mistake of touching it. They have sharp, spiny little barbs that are deceiving, as moth caterpillars are soft and fuzzy.
I was shocked! I sucked on it, to remove any venom, and then washed it well with soap and water. It hurt for an hour!
My Hops vine is huge, and I wish I knew what to do with the seeds/fruit, whatever!This is so funny. I was videotaping the caterpillar, and it picked up its poo and started eating it. It dropped it overboard, from the side of a 2 x 4.
Jodie, my 4-yr.-old granddaughter will love it! I thought I would be clever and pull some nice leaves off of the Hops vine for it to eat. When I did so, I found another IO Moth larvae!

7 comments:

Linda said...

I've never seen one of those caterpillars, but have seen a moth.

EG CameraGirl said...

If I see one of these caterpillars, I'll be sure not to pick it up without wearing gloves. :))

eileeninmd said...

They are cool looking caterpillars. Great shots!

Red said...

You have a great knack for finding these obscure beasts and then telling us about them. Thanks.

Linda said...

Very neat shots - but you are far braver than I am! I would NOT have touched it!

Karen said...

I don't have any buds on my hops this year. Last year was a bumper crop.
I give them to a friend who makes little pillows with them. I think they invite pleasant dreams and sound sleep.

Kay said...

I wouldn't have touched it either. Ouch! What an unusual name. I wonder why it's called 10 Moth.