Here's #2

Here's #3

Here's #4

And finally #5

That is incredible. Great photos of a beautiful subject. Was the sassafras tree protected from predators in any way? Or is the Spicebush method of wrapping into the leaves pretty effective without additional protection? Thanks for sharing.

Martha

Loved your photo series, Mark. Excellent visual progression of cat growth to chrysalis.

Mary

great pics!!!

Martha,
I found this sassafras out on the wood's edge while doing some field work on June 16. The caterpillars spin webbing all along the mid vein of the leaf and when it dries it contracts and pulls the leaf shut forming the hibernaculum in which they hide. This caterpillar seemed to come out at night to feed as I didn't see him much during the day. It was interesting that every time I approached the location where I had him he would back down into the folded leaf to hide better. Really fun observing mother nature so up close and personal!!!
Mark

Beautiful pictures, Mark!

My two are chrysalides, now, one green and one brown.

Sherry

Beautiful shots! Thanks so much for sharing them. They are such cool caterpillars.
Angie