Photographer Captures the Intense Beauty of New England Caterpillars

We sometimes think there is only one species when it comes to caterpillars. What we don't realize is that there is over 120,000 different kinds of these tiny creatures. Each one with it's own uniqueness. But for New EnglanderSamuel Jaffe, caterpillars are much more. They are his inspiration. His muse if you would say. He has dedicated the past several years to research, photography and documenting caterpillars of all different species, all in an amazing effort to educate the public about them.

Jaffe spoke toMyModernMet to expressed his work "As a photographer, caterpillars intrigue me as subjects because of their unbelievable defensive adaptations,{...} Many are unmatched mimics of the leaves and twigs of their host plants. Some mimic other creatures like snakes and spiders that may be threatening to their predators. Others might look like bird poop, galls, or detritus. Many caterpillars also perform bizarre defensive dances, have inflatable horns, bright warning colors, or other surprises. Caterpillars are unmatched tricksters and I love capturing and describing these survival strategies in a single photograph."

And these photos truly are captivating, just take a look for yourself!

More info about the Caterpillar Lab: Website | Facebook | YouTube | Patreon

Posted by taloringer

1
Black-spotted Prominent on False Wild Indigo

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
Advertisement
2
Cecropia Giant Silk Moth on Buttonbush

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
3
Left: “Red Boots” – Apatelodes torrifacta on Cherry | Right: Eight-spotted Forester on Grapevine

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
4
Great Ash Sphinx, red coloration

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
Advertisement
5
Left: Tobacco Hornworm eating Tomato plant flower | Right: Darapsa myron on Grapevine

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
6
Left: “Orange Red Green” – Eumorpha achemon on Grapevine | Right: Final Instar Speared Dagger on Black Cherry

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
7
“Father of Monsters” – Eumorpha typhon on Arizona Grape

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
Advertisement
8
Left: “Three Swallowtails” – Papilio glaucus, polyxenes, and troilus | Right: Catocala innubens pupa

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
9
Left: Big Poplar Sphinx hanging on Poplar leaves | Right: Little Wife Underwing on Bayberry

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.
10
Black-etched Puss Moth Caterpillar on Willow Leaf

Via: My Modern Met

Via Samuel Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab.