Something strange and beautiful in the trees.
On the 13th (last Sunday) we were walking beneath the old apple trees behind the cottage, and I happened to spot a spectacularly large caterpillar on one of the branches. It was at least 3 inches long, a bit larger than my thumb. A quick glance at the appropriate Peterson field guide identified it as belonging to the Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), one of the largest species of North American moths. Spooky got some photos (behind the cut):
