“YOU DO NOT WANT TO TOUCH ME!!!” says the Saddleback Moth Caterpillar (1 of 5) at Duke Farms of Hillsborough NJ
Our FIND OF THE DAY on this outing was the whimsical looking tiny (approximately 1.5cm) Saddleback Moth Caterpillar. My wife caught a glimpse of its spiny growth protruding ever so slightly from under a leaf, thus, drawing her curiosity. Upon turning the leaf, we were greeted with this amusing sight—like an insect clown with bold colors and off funny attire. We took turns holding and photographing this cute bugger, but something told my wife that we should not touch these spines, in spite of the small stature of the critter. Although tempted to allow it to walk on my hand, instinct prevailed, for she is usually right. Well, when researching the nature of this little creature in our resource books, it turned out that her suggestion was spot on . . . Had either one of us made contact, especially on the soft appearing back saddle like portion, the front and back ends would have instnantly folded over with the stingers in full force. The end result would have been an experience as the victim of the caterpillar with the nastiest sting of all caterpillars in North America. IMAGINE THAT!!! A cute, whimsical looking critter being able to administer such horrific pain . . .
The late, Doris Duke, had left a wonderful legacy in converting her magnificent estate into a Natural Wildlife Preserve for the public’s education and enjoyment. The paths throughout the estate offer such splendid scenery. One is forever exploring, always seeing something subtly beautiful. There are always pleasant surprises, from the general scenery to the world of birds and other wildlife, including tiny insects and flowers that are quite enjoyable to observe and study. The bucolic nature of the preserve is so relaxing—akin to meditating while experiencing the landscape. The beauty of visiting Duke Farms is that so many incredible views are there simply by absorbing the surroundings. Besides the wonderful diversity of nature’s jewels, Doris Duke has left a part of her legacy through her passion for art—well situated throughout the preserve is a collection of glorious sculptures and fabulous examples of supreme stonework and design in the bridges, old ruins of enormous barns and stables, and a variety of other structures. The old Hay Barn ruin with its fabulous sculpture garden is truly a favorite of ours, for each and every statue seems to possess a spirit and sense of life. The landscape and backdrop can alter the mood, accordingly, depending on the time of day and seasonal changes in particular. So, spotting new and fascinating wildlife (both animals and plants) and art never ceases to add to the experience.
“YOU DO NOT WANT TO TOUCH ME!!!” says the Saddleback Moth Caterpillar (1 of 5) at Duke Farms of Hillsborough NJ
Our FIND OF THE DAY on this outing was the whimsical looking tiny (approximately 1.5cm) Saddleback Moth Caterpillar. My wife caught a glimpse of its spiny growth protruding ever so slightly from under a leaf, thus, drawing her curiosity. Upon turning the leaf, we were greeted with this amusing sight—like an insect clown with bold colors and off funny attire. We took turns holding and photographing this cute bugger, but something told my wife that we should not touch these spines, in spite of the small stature of the critter. Although tempted to allow it to walk on my hand, instinct prevailed, for she is usually right. Well, when researching the nature of this little creature in our resource books, it turned out that her suggestion was spot on . . . Had either one of us made contact, especially on the soft appearing back saddle like portion, the front and back ends would have instnantly folded over with the stingers in full force. The end result would have been an experience as the victim of the caterpillar with the nastiest sting of all caterpillars in North America. IMAGINE THAT!!! A cute, whimsical looking critter being able to administer such horrific pain . . .
The late, Doris Duke, had left a wonderful legacy in converting her magnificent estate into a Natural Wildlife Preserve for the public’s education and enjoyment. The paths throughout the estate offer such splendid scenery. One is forever exploring, always seeing something subtly beautiful. There are always pleasant surprises, from the general scenery to the world of birds and other wildlife, including tiny insects and flowers that are quite enjoyable to observe and study. The bucolic nature of the preserve is so relaxing—akin to meditating while experiencing the landscape. The beauty of visiting Duke Farms is that so many incredible views are there simply by absorbing the surroundings. Besides the wonderful diversity of nature’s jewels, Doris Duke has left a part of her legacy through her passion for art—well situated throughout the preserve is a collection of glorious sculptures and fabulous examples of supreme stonework and design in the bridges, old ruins of enormous barns and stables, and a variety of other structures. The old Hay Barn ruin with its fabulous sculpture garden is truly a favorite of ours, for each and every statue seems to possess a spirit and sense of life. The landscape and backdrop can alter the mood, accordingly, depending on the time of day and seasonal changes in particular. So, spotting new and fascinating wildlife (both animals and plants) and art never ceases to add to the experience.