Backyard Series #63 (hairy cat)

[Michigan Michael]

The etymology of "caterpillar" is "hairy cat".
The entomology, however, is beyond my ken. I don't have a clue into what this specimen will metamorphose.
I do know that it was having quite a feast on the delicate fennel.

Is it just me or does this caterpillar remind others of the hookah-smoking caterpillar portrayed in (I believe) Alice in Wonderland?

[NikonUser]

. I don't have a clue into what this specimen will metamorphose.
I do know that it was having quite a feast on the delicate fennel.

Is it just me or does this caterpillar remind others of the hookah-smoking caterpillar portrayed in (I believe) Alice in Wonderland?

It is a Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).
Will pupate soon but will not emerge until next spring. Keep the pupa at outside temps. over winter; unheated garage usually OK.

Or the bar-room scene from Star Wars?

[P_T]

Is this a case of art imitating life or vice versa? That's an awesome capture there.

[Cyclops]

Or the bar-room scene from Star Wars?

You beat me to it!
Great shot!

[Ken Ramos]

Yep, I would say Alice in Wonderland too and Star Wars is also good. Seems as though I have seen something like this on a Jefferson Airplane album too, though I cannot be sure. Well any way on someones album cover around the early 70's, maybe even late 60's Fantastic image though Michael.

One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small and the one that mother gives you, doesn't do anything at all. Go ask Alice, when she's ten feet tall...

J. Airplane, "White Rabbit"

[augusthouse]

Ken,

As Grace said, "just remember what the doorknob said".

There is also a "smoking caterpillar" mentioned in the lyrics.

Then there is the Grace Slick song "Let it go"... I'm off to YouTube....must hear.

Craig

[Harold Gough]

Nice shot. The chrysalis will be a good subject too.

Harold

[lauriek]

Great shot - fantastic pose.

Art imitating life almost certainly!

So does everyone here like Jefferson Airplane?, that's a weird coincidence!

[Ken Ramos]

A very diverse group of people here, with equally diverse tastes, so it seems.

[Michigan Michael]

Hey, thanks for the info and comments, guys.

P.S. I've always enjoyed listening to "White Rabbit", but never could understand the lyrics. I was surprised to learn that the verse after the one Ken quoted is:
"And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you're going to fall,
Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call".