Just a Caterpillar Against the Sky

This was an odd scene from my morning walk. I looked up to discover a single caterpillar floating against the summer sky, well above my head. The clouds were doing some amazing things, and then, much to my surprise, it began to drizzle!

This is a caterpillar now known as the spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, scientific name Lymantria dispar. The caterpillars have pairs of blue dots and pairs of maroon dots. They are covered in hairs. The experts say they don't actually bite, but the brush of their hairs against skin causes irritation.

These moths were introduced to the U.S. in 1869 by a French artist, astronomer, and amateur entomologist named Leopold Trouvelot. He wanted to breed a caterpillar that spun silk that was more resistant to disease than the silkworm.

Of course, his caterpillars escaped into his backyard and then went on to try to take over the world. In 2023, they defoliated 441,819 acres in Pennsylvania. DCNR has responded with aerial spraying via helicopter and fixed-wing aircrafts.

Apparently, they missed this one.

I liked their original name better because it seemed more poetic to me. My soundtrack song is Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, with Gypsy.