Western Sheepmoth Mature Larva

Some close-up video showing the mature larva of the Western Sheepmoth (Hemileuca eglanterina). These caterpillars must be handled carefully because their spines contain a toxin which can produce multiple painful stings, similar to Stinging Nettles plants. These larva have started their "wandering" phase where they scatter from the host plant and search for a secluded place to burrow into the earth iin order to pupate. The music is "Shake Well" (last half) by Technician. More music, photos and lepidoptera life cycle documentaries at JCMDI.COM.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Western
• Sheepmoth
• Hemileuca
• eglanterina
• larva
• caterpillar
• 5th
• instar
• Saturniidae
• jcmdi
• technician
• jcmdi.com
• santa
• clarita
• JCMDI

[GeraldBoyClassical]

Interesting coloration - they almost look like cactus plants.

[jcmegabyte]

They definitely use those spines like a cactus. They're not very sharp but they do contain a sort of mild venom and can produce painful stings - like Stinging Nettle plants.

[Vatsek]

Good music.

[jcmegabyte]

Thanks! I wrote that one last night. I finally got my MIDI problems fixed so I can get back to composing again. More new tunes to come. :-)

[xxskylinexxx]

Un video ottimo! Colori ben definiti e taglio immagine molto descrittivo. Bellissimo!