Has anyone lost their Toothbrush!

[ST1]

If so I may know where it is

I spotted this Tussock Moth Caterpillar in one of the apple trees this morning. I probably wouldn't have noticed it had it not covered itself and the apple tree leaf with a yellow leaf from elsewhere in the garden. On initial viewing the caterpillar was in a curved shape which, shows the black segments on the back. It took some training to get it to pose for the portrait.

#1 The toothbrush.



#2 The portrait, with apologies for the OOF pebble front left, it was placed there to prevent the leaf blowing away.



#3 The curve.

[John 2]

Nature does things for a reason. Wonder what it had in mind when it designed this creature. Nice capture.

[ST1]

Nature does things for a reason. Wonder what it had in mind when it designed this creature. Nice capture.

I suspect the colouring and hairs are some form of protection against potential predators John. The moth is a rather plain grey colour so quite the opposite of the caterpillar.


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[revi]

The hairs on some of the hairy caterpillars can cause severe itching (or worse). A good example of this is the pine processionary,
but there are many others. Some species even have the capability of "launching" those hairs towards a predator. Not good if they
manage to hit the eye... And then the colours are a warning that the caterpillar is not a good eat.

Of course, some wear the colours, but don't have the weaponry to go with them (Syrphidae come to mind).

[ST1]

The hairs on some of the hairy caterpillars can cause severe itching (or worse). A good example of this is the pine processionary,
but there are many others. Some species even have the capability of "launching" those hairs towards a predator. Not good if they
manage to hit the eye... And then the colours are a warning that the caterpillar is not a good eat.

Of course, some wear the colours, but don't have the weaponry to go with them (Syrphidae come to mind).

Thanks for the information Revi, I did spot another of theses caterpillars whilst doing some gardening tasks a week or so after I made the images.


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[Shadowman]

Nice shots.