If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.
~Morris West
Florence has already had a huge impact on things here in the Piedmont, far away from her predicted point of landfall. While this is minor compared to what people in the more direct path of the storm will have to deal with over the next several days, many schedules in this area have been rearranged and many things canceled or postponed with the storm’s approach. One such cancellation was one of my favorite events of the year, BugFest, at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. As predictions of the stormy weather grew, it seemed less likely we would need to scour the fields and forests for caterpillars for our annual show of the diversity and beauty of the larvae of butterflies and moths of our region.
But some things are hard to give up. What does a caterpillar-lover do when all the preparations have been made for any wind and water headed our way? Why, you stroll through the yard looking for caterpillars, of course. So, below are a few species discovered this afternoon (and a couple from earlier in the week) while we wait for any impacts from Hurricane Florence.

Two instars of Black Swallowtail larvae – notice how different this species looks in different stages. The larger instar is often mistaken for a monarch due to similar colors and patterns, but note the yellow dots inside the black stripes and the lack of black tentacles on either end compared to a monarch.

A treat to find a White Flannel Moth larva on redbud, as it has been a few years since I have seen one of these odd beauties..

This clownish looking caterpillar is one of the so-called “stinging caterpillars”, with tufts of urticating spines that can cause a bee-sting-like pain should you touch it.
And a couple from earlier this week at work…
Stay safe if you are in the path of the storm, but remember to take a moment to enjoy the beauty and wonder that surrounds you.
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I was cutting the last of my zinnias this morning and found this quite exquisite predator. Iâve seen them before but took the time today to appreciate it in advance of the storm. Who is she?
Thank you!
Afraid I can’t see the image, Tom.
That Geometrid moth larva is hiding in plain sight on the spice bush!! It’s amazing what is hidden all around us that we might see if we just slow down and observe.
Agree. Just need more time to look around. There is always something to discover.