Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

for some reason.
First, here is a mass of young yellow-necked caterpillars (Datana ministra). This is the same species of gregarious caterpillars that I showed recently. When young, they really stick together tightly. This group, snuggled in on both sides of the leaves, was about the size of both of your fists held together. The entire branch was bending down, and there were several of these groups on one young walnut tree!
A lot of caterpillars! by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Next is the odd and rather beautiful funerary dagger moth caterpillar (Acronicta funeralis). They are described as being seldom seen, although I did find one last season too. I am not happy with the way these pictures turned out, since the colors seem to change with the flash. I gotta try to remember that if there is a next encounter.
Funerary dagger moth caterpillar by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Funerary dagger moth caterpillar by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Here is a cluster of tiny promethea moth hatchlings (Callosamia promethea) which I can find easily enough on tulip trees in certain parks. Seven empty egg shells sat nearby, but none of those pictures came out. Promethea cats grow up to be lovely pastel green caterpillars the size of your thumb (pictures are forth-coming), and later into one of our medium sized “giant” silk moths.
Promethea caterpillars by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

And bringing up the rear is my favorite Derbid planthopper, Apache degeeri. They are found by slowly strolling down forest trails and carefully inspecting the underside of leaves. This is one of at least 3 species of Derbids that I find this way. They are reluctant to jump away, so careful handling produced this quick focus stack from a few hand-held pictures.
Derbid planthopper by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Thanks for looking!

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

Quixdraw Loc: x

Fine and interesting!

Curve_in Loc: Virginia

Love the hopper!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Thank you!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Thank you! I've photographed these quite often, but it's a fun challenge.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

All nice, the focus on the first shot is wonderful, a stack I presume.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Wonderful set of cats Mark. Very sharp. Well done my friend.
>i< Doc

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Great set of images.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Excellent series of some great finds. I really like the plant hopper and I have yet to find one so thanks for sharing yours.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Thank you. One picture. They are squirming!


Thank you. They are definitely in your area. Under broad leaves along forest trails, but it can take a while. They feed on fungi from rotting wood, so maybe there too although I do not seek them there. Meanwhile you will also find other cool things by being a 'leaf inspector'.
The first time I saw one, about 6 years ago, I was quite gob-smacked. What a strange insect! I was not even sure what insect order it belonged to at first.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Beautiful set. I really like the descriptions you provide