Whatever draws us into the forest—be it birdwatching or logging, hiking or hunting—all of us are unified by the sense of wonder we feel in the outdoors. The forests, fields, and streams of our region are full of mystery, and if you stop and look closely, you’ll see all sorts of oddities.
Below find a picture of one such woodlands curio. Guess what it is and you’ll be eligible to win a Northern Woodlands woodpecker magnet designed by artist Liz Wahid. A prize winner will be drawn at random from all the correct entries. The correct answer, and the winner’s name, will appear when the next column is posted and in our newsletter (sign up here!).
We found this caterpillar on this shrub in an acidic wetland in Island Pond, Vermont. What genus is the caterpillar, and what genus is the shrub? (Hint: the fruits, ranging from pink to dark blue, are not pictured.)
This autumnal duo features a dagger moth caterpillar (Acronicta species) basking on a viburnum leaf. Though adult moths are small and gray, their caterpillars can be brightly colored.
This week’s contest winner was No winner this week!