My Kind of Pet

Andrew came across this lovely specimen while untangling a grapevine from one of our oak trees this weekend. Of course, Leah immediately wanted to put it in a jar and keep it forever. Since forever is not a long time with these guys, I agreed...This is the best my poor camera could do... but it really is a very pretty caterpillar - kind of gray with orange spots and an orange head. We found that she loves grape leaves, so she's living the high life in a mason jar with a few sticks to climb on and some fresh grape leaves to munch on - and is safe from all predators except my children. We're pretty sure she'll eventually turn into some kind of moth - so if she actually lives that long we'll keep you posted.