Date: 09/21/2015

Number: 2

Two bright monarchs went through the yard on 21 Sept 2015. Very few butterflies of any kind around. Last week I worked in the field on a military base at Ft. McCoy, WI. Native prairies. Saw many butterflies, including several kinds of fritillary, as well as sulphurs.

I have been watching for hawksmoths in the flower beds; usually see them mid-September. Haven't seen any. Last Sunday I disturbed a huge caterpillar that was feeding on grapevine leaves. It was as big around as my thumb, about 5 inches in length; it was a tan color with false eyes. I've never seen one as large, in all my 60 years. I believe it is a sphinx or hawk moth caterpillar. Overnight it shrunk to about a quarter of its size. I wonder if it had the ability to blow itself up when disturbed. It has slowed its eating and has fashioned a tunnel out of grass and grape leaves. Its color is changing to a paler tan on top, with the bottom portion beginning to change to a dark brown/black. It may be preparing to pupate. I also put an inch of soil on the bottom of its container. Thinking I should keep it cold when it is overwintering, maybe outside, under leaves. My granddaughter's first grade classmates were quite impressed; they all had that look of wonder in their eyes.

Sparta, WI

Latitude: 44 Longitude: -90.8

Observed by: Kathy
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