Hodges #7698 March 2007 This Tent caterpillar is in a defense posture in an attempt to frighten away predators. I guess it took me to be a predator when moved close to take this photo.
Noctuid moths #8196 Oak Ridge, TN (Anderson Co.) Sept. 30, 2007 I found this pretty moth on the ground near my compost heap, then moved it to a leaf on the Magnolia tree. Tiger moths have bright red and orange lower wings that they can flash to frighten predators. (See next photo)
August 26, 2007 Rhea Co., TN This Day-glo green caterpillar was crawling along the trail at Piney Falls. It was only about 2" long, but it could defend itself quite well. The tiny black spines are just visible above the green tufts. For its size, this little critter can pack a painful punch with the venomous spines. It is hard to believe this caterpillar will turn into the Io moth. If I have a photo of both the moth and its caterpillar, I have put them together, otherwise the caterpillars are farther down in this gallery.
