Even though you’re growing up, you should never stop having fun.
~Nina Dobrev
A quick update on the Cecropia caterpillars we are raising…you may remember an earlier post where the eggs from a Cecropia Moth began hatching. That was on June 10. We are almost a month out and they are growing and changing as they feed on wild Black Cherry leaves. Below are pictures of how they have changed over the past few weeks. The remaining time period of their last two instars (a phase between two periods of molting) will be busy ones as we try to scrounge enough cherry leaves to keep these guys happy. If you enjoy learning about giant silk moth caterpillars and their different instars, check out Sam Jaffe’s incredible photographs on The Caterpillar Lab’s web site.
The hatched eggs on June 10 (click photos to enlarge)
First instar Cecropia Moth caterpillars
Second instar larvae
A third instar Cecropia Moth caterpillar
Fourth instar larva (one more to go!)
A close up of the tubercles on a fourth instar larva…I shared this picture on July 4 as an entomological fireworks display
Roads End Naturalist 
I love your July 4th celebration photo. It was a very different July 4th for us all. Carrboro had a quick parade around town with several police cars, and fire trucks and garbage trucks – etc. all with their horns and sirens going, and lights ablaze. I got to the street just in time as they roared past so I could wave to all.
I thank you for all your posts, info, and your shared love of nature.
Thanks, Melva.
‘An entomological fireworks display’ – I love this!
They are pretty amazing critters!
Very colorful little thing. Thanks! As to your opening quote, I give you back, “Growing older but not up!” — Jimmy Buffet
A long-time favorite of mine as well.
Quite colorful!
Agreed!
festive! Thanks for the follow up, and the blog in general.
Njeri “Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world…” –William James
Appreciate your feedback, Michi.
That is some high design!