I was walking the dog around Lake Shore Road, when I noticed some movement around my feet. Looking down I saw this fluffy looking creature. I’m not entirely sure what it is, but I suspect it’s the caterpillar stage of Cycnia tenera or the dogbane tiger moth.

The markings on the head gave the impression of a sad little face (I’m pretty sure it’s not. I don’t think caterpillars have such large eyes. I imagine that they’re probably markings to deter predators).

Whatever it is I had no intention of touching it as I’ve read that some of these fuzzy/hairy caterpillars are quite toxic.

Apparently bats won’t eat the adult moths, as the moths emit clicking noises, which upset the bat’s sonar. Fascinating stuff.