A Gypsy Moth Caterpillar hangs from a branch by a silk thread
While the caterpillars are still small, their fastest mode of travel is to hang from a branch suspended by a fine silk thread and wait for the wind to carry it away.
My previous post garnered some very nice comments and raised some very good questions.
Jack and Joann asked if we have Japanese beetles. Yes, they do create a problem with ornamentals and grapes but no significant damage is done to other indigenous species.
Abe raised the question as to whether man had something to do with the problem. Yes, the Gypsy Moth is an alien invasive species brought to the east coast by a profit seeking businessman in the 1800’s. The only profit to be made from them is by those involved in making, distributing, and spraying pesticides. Since they have no significant natural enemies outbreaks are extremely damaging, particularly to our native oaks.
Fishing Guy mentioned that he hopes the spray doesn’t hurt the birds. The insecticide of choice is Bacillus thuringiensis or BT for short. BT is a bacterium that is fatal to caterpillars. No effect has been documented on any bird, fish, or animal species.
For more Sky Watch, vist Tom at Wiggers World
Excellent shot!! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the explanation about this pest. I had some inkling that it was man who made the problem and the rest of us will have to clean it up. It is almost always this way. Nature, left alone, pretty much takes care of itself and does a fine job.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see the beast against a blue sky.
I am amazed by what these humble critters can do!
ReplyDeleteGood information and a different take on the Sky Watch this week, I like it...
ReplyDeleteThe Rocky Mountain Retreat
That doesn't even look real! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteExcellent and interesting photo and a very educational narrative. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture!
ReplyDeleteVery good! :)
Beautiful and lucky shot!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, and very perculiar skywatch shot
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic shot Salty.
ReplyDeletePop over to see my water features.
A most peculiar SKY WATCH!
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective. Enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this shot! Every little hair on his body shows!
ReplyDeleteSuper shot and Wonderful information
ReplyDeleteMysterious pic, informative story. Very good and interesting, thanks!
ReplyDeleteVery cool.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking..how did she do this? Just throw him in the air and shoot! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful narrative with great photo...thank you!
Sorry I missed yesterdays post Salty.. both very interesting and both great Sky Watch pictures.. Sky Watch can be put to one side when an out break like this is to be mentioned.
ReplyDeleteNeat post.
Tom
Salty: What a cute picture of the catterpillar.
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering my question.
Outstanding photo. I didn't know that was how they got from one place to another. Very interesting information. Always a pleasure to visit your blog.
ReplyDeleteHow marvelous! It's my first time on your blog. Your bird shots are wonderful. It's something I've been working on here at the Swamp in southern Georgia. I haven't been nearly as successful as you!
ReplyDeleteNice one:)
ReplyDeletePetunia's SWF
excellent, well done.
ReplyDeleteSalty, wonderful, and educational as always.. thanks so much for sharing
ReplyDeleteSalty, thanks for answering all our questions and for showing us the caterpillar in gymnastics class.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture! Well done.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shot to sell !!!sandy
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