Caesar Creek State Park

Hello - we are back again. We actually traveled to TWO State Parks today because they were about 15 minutes apart. Our first stop was Caesar Creek State Park and I have to tell you we have a couple of BIG highlights on this trip. Our first highlight was all of the walking paths in this park near the lake had these beautiful (older) wooden fences and a HUGE deck that looked out over the lake. That is where we found our little caterpillar friend! 

You wouldn't think it would be so difficult to identify a plain white fuzzy caterpillar.... but it was really hard! We just looked and didn't touch since there are quite a few caterpillars that are harmful to humans.

Upon researching for the name we found some interesting facts about caterpillars. 

• Yes, caterpillars are either moths or butterflies in their larval stage and belong to the class of Insecta. Before turning into beautiful flying insects, caterpillars enter a pupal stage where they undergo metamorphosis. 

• Only a few furry caterpillars have stinging capabilities. However, the majority of hair-covered caterpillars cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, or hives. 

We also did some art involving caterpillars, although he is in a rainbow type stage where he loves coloring in a rainbow pattern. (see below) 

One of my favorite things to see on a trip through the park is all of the different trees. One of these days when we make it out to California I will be able to see the GIANT Sequoia Trees. We really enjoyed learning about the caterpillar and we think.... it was the White Caterpillar - Spilosoma virginica. Although, it isn't a positive naming of the type. Just based on our little research project we are going to go with this species. My littlest one was afraid of it and didn't get to close, but look how close E got to the little guy! He was really excited to find something because since we have been on these park adventures we haven't seen much wildlife. When we got home we made all kinds of caterpillars with art. E likes an examples so we watched someone make a caterpillar first. After that was done he made another one and gave me the directions, which I have given to you below if you would like to draw and make one!

How to draw a Caterpillar By: E

What you will need: paper, pencil, and crayons.

Step one: Draw a circle.

Step two: Draw a circle next to that circle.

Step three: Draw a circle next to that circle.

Step four: Draw a circle next to that circle.

Step five: Draw a circle next to that circle.

Step six: Draw a bunch of tiny legs on the bottom of the circles.

Step seven: Draw two eyes and a smile in the first circle.

Step eight: Draw two lines coming out of the top of the first circle.

Step nine: Draw two little tiny little circles on top of the two lines coming out of the top of the circle.

Step ten: Color!

Caterpillar 2020