Nature Study: Saddleback Caterpillar

The interesting thing about having done nature study for awhile is that the boys now notice things more. They also know that I am interested in the creatures they find.  Today they found a caterpillar outside on one of their toys. They, of course, took pictures for me and showed it to me when I went outside. We researched it and found out it is a Saddleback caterpillar.

Those scary looking bristles apparently secrete a venom that really hurts. It can cause swelling, nausea and a rash that can last for days.

Another bright colored insect that gives us a warning.

The moth that develops from it is an unassuming brown moth.