17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A massive Imperial Moth caterpillar at rest

A group of us found this giant Imperial Moth caterpillar during a daytime natural history foray. This is one of the largest caterpillars in eastern North America, but in spite of their size, they can easily be overlooked. Resting Imperial Moth cats blend well amongst the leaves of the trees that they feed in. The caterpillar becomes a jumbo yellowish moth dappled with purplish splotches.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2018
Date Uploaded: 08.2019
Photo Location: Lynx, Ohio, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R
Copyright: © Jim McCormac