One day, when I was sitting on the patio, I saw the brightest-colored caterpillar I’d ever seen.

I searched “neon-yellow caterpillar” online and learned that it’s a Polyphemus moth caterpillar, a member of the giant silk moth group. The moth is one of the largest moths found in Missouri.

I don’t remember ever seeing a moth that looks like this, but I admit that I don’t generally spend my outdoor time looking for moths. Still, it’s good to learn something new every day and now, if I ever see a spotted moth like this, I’ll know its origin. If I catch one, maybe I can make silk. 🙂