While doing some weeding in the garden on the weekend, I came across this interesting caterpillar. It was nibbling its way along a daylily leaf. Caterpillars are an eternal wonder. That such a creature could be magically reborn as a butterfly or moth is incredible. The question is, what kind of butterfly or moth will it become?
I have a couple of guide books to help answer this question. One is the Peterson First Guide to Caterpillars, by Amy Bartlett Wright. It is an accessible look at some common caterpillars, the ones you are most likely to encounter. David Wagner’s Caterpillars of Eastern North America is much more inclusive. Both books failed me in this case. It was time to move on to my next source, my daughter Seabrooke! Sure enough, the co-author of the Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America was able to identify my caterpillar as a Hitched Arches (Melanchra adjuncta), and she kindly provided me with this photograph of the moth my caterpillar will some day become. Thank you!
Willow House Chronicles 
Identifying caterpillars is practically a hobby in its own right, they’re so different from their adults! Fiddlegirl’s got some on her rose-of-sharon that I have no idea about, but I did know that the ones on her tea rose were sawflies.
I have never seen a caterpillar like that! What a beauty. I’m glad that Seabrooke was able to identify it. It turns into a beautiful moth, too.
Sheri — so many different insects live around me. Perhaps because I live in an area that is not wealthy and cannot afford to spay and live in big houses. Their dispoable methods though are less than desirable — burning. But overall we still have a rich diversity of animals that occupy this holler. I’m continually stumped by what I am looking at on my house wall, the grass blade, fense post etc. It is a facinating zoo (without bars) of wildness. I have not spotted any arched caterpillars. I will have to buy your daughter’s book or put it on my wish list for a christmas present when it is released. Thanks for all the info. — barbara
Seab, you’re right, you could easily make collecting photos of caterpillars and identifying them a hobby. Glad I had your help with this one! Thanks.
Thanks, Louise, It is an interesting moth, isn’t it?
Barbara, It’s great that you have lots of life around you and a keen interest to enjoy it. Learning about everything is the project of a lifetime isn’t it? I don’t think the book includes caterpillars, but there are sure some great moths out there. Thanks!