Mid-Day Coffee with Malacosoma californicum

The common western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) is considered a pest to many, and an arch nemesis to the fruit farmers of the northwest.  I will admit, when I see a gaggle of these buggers in my garden I typically cut them down and toss them into the waste pile. But on their own they are pretty cute. I consider them to be the fluffy kittens of the invertebrate world.

I would like you all to meet Gerry. I named my new found friend Gerry because he seems like a regular guy, nothing appeared out of the ordinary about this caterpillar at first sight. As the tent caterpillars come out in the month of May I usually refer to them as "those damn things again," but on his own Gerry seemed harmless, even invisible.

Where is Gerry?

 Ah, there you are.

Some may say caterpillars are insignificant, and extremists have recommended we start a NASA program to blast all of them into the sun. But Gerry knows to ignore the haters. He may look squishy and weak, but more informed individuals know that Gerry spent the entire winter out in the elements while he was still an egg. 

Living on the edge

Gerry summits trees and buildings equivalent to a human scaling the Empire State Building, without the aid of silly ropes and harnesses. He defies gravity because he knows that in 5 to 6 weeks he will go on a small vacation and when he gets home he will rid himself of his legs and take flight. Gerry looks forward to this day so much it seems as though he is ready to fly off right now.

Whoa Gerry calm down there! No need to rush along your life cycle, these things take time. Did you hear me Gerry? ... Gerry?

Why have you done this cruel caterpillar gods?

Oh wait a minute, what is this? Gerry survived the fall! He survived a human equivalent of a 60 foot drop right on to his back and he isn't phased in the slightest. Not bad for a creature who doesn't even have a spine. 

Again Gerry? Really?

He may not be the smartest caterpillar in the tent, but judging by his willingness to risk his life in search of some plants to munch on, I would say he is the toughest.