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mantis by Mead  

some have tails even whiter than this one!

It's a citheronia regalis caterpillar (fourth instar)

Our friend, Cindy M., sent this image of a day old praying mantis hatchling. We're talking small.
[June 2003]

The above image of a white-tailed squirrel was captured in the Grand Blanc area.
[summer 2003]
Louise was excited when a supplier offered something new, and rather unusual. "It is a fourth instar citheronia regalis caterpillar, also known as Hickory Horned Devil." Though the supply is limited & not for sale you can see this huge caterpillar at J.J.'s! See it grow in the butterfly, moth and caterpiller section.
close-up view (enlarged several times) enlarged view of pod & emerging dinky mantids mantis - nearly actual size
Praying mantis are so small, and their coloration blends so well with the environment, it's difficult at times to spot them. Kate B. sent 3 images (one directly above, and 2 below) that she recently captured, almost by accident. Well, Kate says it best: "They finally arrived! We would have missed the big event, but the dog noticed it somehow and just went nuts! Her eyesight can't be that good... do you think she could hear them?  Kate, Tom & Dylan.
J.J. Cardinal's Wild Bird & Nature Store   ~   Grand Blanc, MI   ~   810-695-8733