Kemushi 毛虫 Caterpillar

葉の虫ハ化して飛けり朝の月

Caterpillar transforms

and flies away . . .

morning moon

- Kobayashi Issa

Not able to identify this particular species of caterpillar, it is much easier to find information on butterflies and moths then their respective larval forms. Many caterpillars are cryptically colored and resemble the plants on which they feed and may even have parts that mimic plant parts such as thorns. This caterpillar has long fine hair-like setae with detachable tips for self-defense, some caterpillar even have venom glands associated with these setae or spines. This fellow might look tasty to a bird or another bug, but the coloration and furry texture leave me perfectly content to let it be on its merry way.