Brian found this on the windshield of his car the other morning.
What is it?
It’s a caterpillar covered in wasp eggs. Apparently, the wasp stings the caterpillar, thereby paralyzing it; then it lays its eggs on top of the poor thing. When the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae will eat the caterpillar.
Brian thought the caterpillar was either already dead or too stunned to move. So, taking a couple of pine needles and a large green leaf, he attempted to scoop it up and move it.
The caterpillar reacted like an injured dog, writhing and jerking its head back, as if it were trying to bite somebody. It was obviously in great pain.
I felt bad about this for the whole rest of the day; and even now, when I remember it or look at this picture, I feel sad for this poor caterpillar. Nature can be so cruel. My only consolation is to remember that the Bible tells us “not a sparrow falls from the sky” that the Lord does not know about and care about—so even our doomed caterpillar friend is not beneath His regard.
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On the other end of the spectrum, look at these cool lizards!
I’m not sure if they’re mating or just hanging out together, but I couldn’t resist getting a shot of this. I’d never seen anything like it.
Posted by Kathy Klavon on May 21, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Hey Kim
Would you think of taking the wasp eggs off of the caterpillar? I wonder if the paralyzing effect wears off eventually? I know, I know – getting in the way of nature seems like an unnatural thing to do. That is an interesting picture indeed! Your garden seems lovely as well. I am planning on doing some planting this spring. Hmmph, however, I have this convalidation thing going on AND I am a little preoccupied. I know that I still plan on giving you a follow up email to our conversation. Perhaps the convalidation might take place on Friday, but Fr. K didn’t put it on his calendar and now he is filled to the hilt. At least my Bill has a better attitude about the whole thing. LOL. We have moved into laughing about the brother and sisterhood. Hmmm. But, I pray that we continue to be Graced with the blessings.
Happy Wednesday!
Kathy