Sticky

I chose this photo for today because it is a view I have never photographed.  This is one of the monarch caterpillars that is being reared in a large container with is all fine mesh except for one side that is a "viewing window" of plastic.  This big cat is doing his walkabout preparatory to transitioning into his chrysalis phase.  And he happened to be exploring the window section giving me a perfect view of his undercarriage.

A few things to notice here... First is that you can see his "real" legs right up near his head. They are segmented and appear to have a pointy end.  You can also see all his prolegs with are stubby, fuzzy looking things extending all the way down his body.  He will shed the prolegs in his last molt when he converts to chrysalis form.  Finally, you can clearly see the silk webbing all around his underside.  Caterpillars do this as a way to protect themselves from falling.  In fact, the first two instars , which are very tiny, have a "life line" attached at all times to their leaf.  If you shake a leaf that a small cat is on, it will dangle from its silk thread until it can climb back up.  The silk comes from a small "spinneret' near the mouth and is surprisingly strong.  Anyway, entomological geekiness.

It is stupidly hot again today and nearly unbearable to be out.  Jax has been napping most of the day but I am getting ready to take him to Lowes for a little outing.  I have to pick up some rubber door stops to hopefully keep him out of some rooms while allowing the cats access.  We'll see how that works.  I wouldn't be making any bets.

I will wait until later this afternoon to start looking at all the TinyTuesday posts - you have no idea how much fun it is to see all the wonderful and creative things people post.  I plan to have my top picks ready on Thursday.  In the meantime, click on the link in my tags below to see all the entries.

Dark with pretzels today!

xo
Debbi