I was out piddling in my veggie garden the other day in the midst of our heat wave. Watering my plants and checking to see how things were growing, when I spotted an intruder.
While this horn worm caterpillar is a gorgeous specimen it can clean the leaves off a tomato plant in 24 hours. They are very hard to spot because of the fact that they are the same color as the vines and leaves.
So after I finished taking it's picture I removed it from my garden.
I got out my little Canon point and shoot to get some good macro shots.
I just love his spots they look like eyes.
When I was finished I had plans to "eliminate" him but the girls had other plans. They made me release him. I tried to pick a place very far from the garden. If he comes back he will not get a second chance!
Nice photos! Bugs are amazing.
I have to say that your opening lines made me chuckle...around here, some people I know (male people) really DO piddle around their gardens in an effort to deter deer. I have no idea if it works, or if it's just an excuse to pee outside - something which apparently retains its appeal!
Posted by: quinn | July 12, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I hate those! But they are pretty cool looking, aren't they? And when you squish them with your boot, they're green inside.
It was nice of you to not kill him. I am not nice, I think.
Posted by: Kate | July 12, 2010 at 03:38 PM
I have it on good authority that it works, the piddling that is.
Posted by: Spruce Hill | July 12, 2010 at 03:53 PM
I can't believe the detail from your camera! That is impressive :) And he is cute, I'm in the girls' camp; I'd give him a second chance!!
Posted by: Ginny | July 12, 2010 at 08:46 PM
Bless your little humane heart!!! There will be more on your vines...they travel in packs...just don't tell your girls you're looking for them...
Wonderful photos and perspective...I usually squash them before I have time to look at them!!!
Posted by: Becky | July 12, 2010 at 10:28 PM
I just recently discovered your blog and am so glad I did. What a sweet post!
Posted by: Ann Flower | July 13, 2010 at 06:59 AM
I hope your kindness is rewarded with a beautiful butterfly.
Posted by: tracey petersen | July 13, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Those are some great pictures, even though he is evil ;)
Posted by: Kristen | July 13, 2010 at 02:53 PM
Getting the manual out for my point & shoot cause I love your pics. Thanks for mentioning it.
Posted by: Evilstepmomster | July 13, 2010 at 11:08 PM
That is one cool little creature!! Too bad it eats tomato plants!
Posted by: Paint Girl | July 13, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Hubby and I were just talking about these wormies yesterday. Have not seen any on our tomato plants yet and are keeping a keen eye out for them. They have such voracious appetites, don't they?
Di
Posted by: Di | July 15, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Those are some gorgeous shots of a pesky little bugger! Gotta love macro.
www.thebitchstoppedcooking.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maria Montague | July 28, 2010 at 07:13 PM
wow, he's beautiful!
Posted by: virginia | July 29, 2010 at 01:31 PM
I'm not a fan of insects, but how can I not love this guy? He's got such a personality!
Posted by: The Vamp Tramp | July 29, 2010 at 11:49 PM