So we have these great fuzzy caterpillars in the forest garden who occasionally get together and go journeying in a long, fuzzy line.
We happened to be in the forest garden during one such sojourn, and Nick decided to do a bit of caterpillar-wrangling…
After a couple of minutes, the caterpillars disbanded (ha ha) and proceeded on their route through the forest garden in a long, wiggly line as before.
What does this have to do with permaculture and creating a kick-ass small farm? Erm… I’m not sure.
But it was a moment in time that we’ll remember, and silly stories like this are as important as building the soil food web when it comes to place making.
Another ‘remember the time’ to tuck in a corner somewhere. Happy caterpillar necklace Tuesday, everyone!
Mesmerising! Wonder how they decide which caterpillar is the leader.
“Mesmerising! Wonder how they decide which caterpillar is the leader.”
No idea. But, to judge from the continued existence of their ecological relationships, at least they can find a leader who takes a long-term view. Maybe we should do some research into the political ecology of caterpillar populations? Or is it just that they don’t have three-yearly elections?
He he! We have a lot to learn from caterpillars, I’m sure.
I adore moments like this- thank you so much for sharing!
Swing your partner and doe see doe.
very cool. It is such moments that glue our lives together.
Cute!
Hi All,
These might be the ‘processionally caterpillars’ which are closely watched by horse breeders. Ingestion of the tiny hairs on the caterpillars’ bodies will cause the mare to abort at 10 months into her 11 month pregnancy 🙁 very sad situation. Breeders are making sure there are no caterpillars on their properties. These lil guys are cute, and an important part of the cycle of life, just be cautious if you have horses.
These caterpillars could be from a nearby white cedar tree after denuding it then heading off for a winter pupation, often in buildings. And yes they can be toxic to some animals.