Here’s a little of what’s going on in the Wild at the Museum…a caterpillar.
An Eastern Tiger Swallowtaill caterpillar’s “eyes” are meant to scare, not stare (Catch the Wind).
A damselfly.
A Southern Spreadwing Damselfly. Notice how the wings are held out to the side, spread out (Wetlands).
An assassin bug.
A Wheel Bug nymph (on bungee, left side) wears a warning on its abdomen, “Don’t touch me!” As adults, a bite, or rather a poke, with their proboscis can be painful (Animal Department Gator).
A nest-building bird.
Mourning Dove nest under construction. Bird is on the left, nest on the right, “Can you see me?” (Wetlands)
A morphing frog.
Looking more like a salamander or lizard, this creature is about to become a bullfrog (Wetlands).
A tree frog who thinks it can’t be seen.
This Gray Tree Frog should stick with the trees, its camouflage doesn’t work well on Rice Paper Plant leaves (Dino Trail).
And, a bird with a frog.
Jabbing at something in the water, this green heron hopes to hit pay-dirt (Wetlands).Ureka!A closer look reveals a partial tail on this little frog. It will never make the transition to full adult.
And that’s some of what I’ve been seeing. How about you?
I just saw exactly the same of this caterpillar’s picture.. it’s really scary looking this very unique caterpillar. it’s just like he’s staring at you.
Greg Dodge says:
Author
Yes, apparently these false eyes are meant to scare away potential predators.
Thanks.
Richard says:
Great shot of the damselfly! I can’t seem to get a decent photo of these smaller ones!
Greg Dodge says:
Author
Thanks, the photo was enlarged a bit before publishing.
I just saw exactly the same of this caterpillar’s picture.. it’s really scary looking this very unique caterpillar. it’s just like he’s staring at you.
Yes, apparently these false eyes are meant to scare away potential predators.
Thanks.
Great shot of the damselfly! I can’t seem to get a decent photo of these smaller ones!
Thanks, the photo was enlarged a bit before publishing.