Looper #3 for this week. I am pretty sure this is the largest inchworm I have encountered. The Purplish-brown Looper has very interesting details with all its bulges and creases.
This particular PbL was fairly cooperative for a long shoot, but occasionally it did get restless. I would provoke it with a light touch and it would immediately go into its defensive position where it mimicked with remarkable precision a short twig (I believe this was on a pear tree, though it might have been an apple). Each time is "assumed the position," it spun a new tethering line, which is why there are multiple silk strands in the high-magnification shots. Quite a marvel this one, I think. :o)
Ian A Kirk. added this photo to his favorites. (4 months ago)
jialiar 4 months ago | reply
Ian A Kirk. 4 months ago | reply
Amazing find Michael! Great work!