I recently spotted a Catawba worm in Arkansas crossing a road near the Ouachita National Forest. I stopped to photograph it before it continued on its way. A small roadside traveler had given me an unexpected wildlife encounter.
Finding a Catawba Worm in Arkansas
The Catawba worm is the caterpillar of the Catalpa Sphinx moth. It is also widely called the Catalpa Sphinx caterpillar.
As its name suggests, this caterpillar has a close connection with catalpa trees. The larvae feed on catalpa leaves and sometimes gather in large numbers. A heavy population can strip many leaves from a tree.
Catalpa trees can often grow a new set of leaves after losing their foliage. Still, repeated or severe feeding may place added stress on a tree.
I found this caterpillar on the road rather than on a catalpa tree. I cannot know exactly why it was crossing. Mature larvae leave their host trees and enter the soil to pupate. This one may have been seeking a suitable place.
A Roadside Caterpillar Worth Photographing
This encounter happened near the Ouachita National Forest here in Arkansas. The caterpillar stood out against the road, which made it hard to miss.
Roads are not where I expect to find caterpillars. However, they sometimes provide a clear view of small animals moving between patches of habitat. This one was exposed and easy to see as it crossed.
I took the opportunity to make a photograph while the caterpillar was still in sight. The image records both the animal and the unusual place where I found it.
Moments like this remind me to watch the road closely, even when I am looking for larger wildlife. Some of the most interesting subjects are only a few inches long.
Another Caterpillar Encounter in Arkansas
This Catawba worm was not my only memorable caterpillar sighting on an Arkansas road. I also photographed a Luna Moth caterpillar during a separate encounter. You can see that story in Rare Encounter with the Luna Moth Caterpillar.
Both encounters happened because I noticed a small animal in an ordinary place. That is one reason I keep watching wherever I travel. Wildlife does not always appear where I expect it.