Polyphemus Caterpillar

[Pizzazz]

Hi Gang

I decided I better try to get some shots before this guy makes its cocoon.
Although it seems still, there were slight movements so stacking did not
work out very well.

These are shots of the feet structure and a head shot that looks like there
is a "fang" being exposed.

Crazy!


Mike


Hind feet



Head shot with "fang"



feet


feet - Notice the small structures on the edge by the stem

[MarkSturtevant]

Very interesting! The fang thing is an antenna.

[rjlittlefield]

Ah, these images bring back memories! Polyphemus and Cecropia were two of the earliest moths I ever raised.

The small structures on the edge by the stem are "crochets". At higher magnification they are revealed as tiny claws, often with hooked ends. Details of the arrangement of crochets is a diagnostic feature for many lepidoptera larvae.

See https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... hp?t=31879 for similar structures on a cutworm proleg.

--Rik

[Pizzazz]

Mark/Rik

Thanks for the info. An antenna! It looks so much like a mouth-related
structure due to where it is, but that is amazing.

I have a few more caterpillars, and maybe I can get them to cooperate
and stay still so I can do a stack of the feet.

Thanks


Mike

[MarkSturtevant]

Getting pix of crotchets has long been on my 'to do' list, as they are pretty interesting. You can experiment on how to best get them to show. My hunch - which could be wrong - is to get the 'pillar to go onto a thicker stem so they really have to extend the fleshy pro-legs to get a grip. The rear end will hold still for a time while the front end is eating something. Good luck!

[Pizzazz]

Mark

I think that sounds like a great idea.

I will try it.

Mike

[Pizzazz]

Mark


I tried to do what you suggested and as quick as I was, there is constant
slight movement in the body, affecting the ability to get a good exposure.

The caterpillar was as you predicted: it's tiny little feet and toes could not
wrap around the stem.

I will try again.

Mike