Horticulture in Arkansas

Phobetron pithecium

This photo was taken during the fall of 2010 in the White Rock National Forest. This is not an uncommon caterpillar; however, the shape and color provides excellent camouflage from predators. Some people believe that the hairs covering the caterpillar will sting. That isn't quite true. There might be a few circumstances that a person might develop a very slight reaction, but nothing serious.

Dolomedes tenebrosus

I was enjoying a wonderful stroll through the garden when I came across a unique creature with eight hairy legs all stretched out to maybe four inches across. This arachnid was perched on his rock next to a crystal clear spring at Compton Gardens. The spider never moved as I approached with my camera, it was obvious that it was in stealth mode, ready to strike at any unsuspecting fishy fish.

My roommate Stephen Steward rescued a torn cocoon from the University of Arkansas farm over the winter. He brought it home and wrapped it in toilet paper, then placed it in our refrigerator. Stephen took it out a few months later and let it warm. It was pretty disgusting to witness my roommate pet a giant pupa. The abdomen would rotate in counterclockwise as he cuddled with the dark brown thing. Anyway, last week I noticed something strange in our mailbox - it was the cecropia moth! She had emerged from the cocoon and was ready to spread her wings and fly! (I have no idea how she got in the mailbox.) Minutes later, I realized that her wings were not unfolding and drying. It seems that I had discovered the moth too late, and she would not recover. However, she did do something very strange. I believe she laid an egg, but I'm not sure how that is possible considering that she did not find her mate.