Caterpillar Slide Show

The Caterpillars of Eastern Massachusetts: Sample Gallery

Too few people ever realize the natural wonder that Massachusetts’ biological systems have to offer, instead they assume that real biological diversity only exists in the tropics or other far away places. Yet our native flora and fauna are diverse and anything but mundane. Since childhood I have sought to identify and catalog the many species that inhabit our green spaces, from the smallest vacant lots to the largest wildlife refuges. This quest has provided me with a unique education in the natural history of New England.

In the fall of 2008 I began photographing caterpillars. These larval insects demonstrate a diversity of morphology and behavior better than perhaps any other group of animals in this region, and yet, they remain relatively unknown to even the most dedicated of naturalists. Through my photography, and through documenting the life histories of the species I find and raise, I hope to share some of what I have learned about the quality of our native biome.

In ages of exploration, drawing and painting were important tools used to document new discoveries. Old illustrations of insects regularly depict the subject and its food source alone on a page, isolated from background distractions. However, the desire to visually record an insect’s behavior and life history often infused these images with life and motion, and many artistic and powerful compositions resulted. These classical natural history pieces are the source of my inspiration. Isolated against a black background, the caterpillars are conspicuous and sculptural. Further, each species is shown upon its native hostplant and each composition aims to tell a story about its subject’s unique natural history.

Opening Day: Linda Teaching	Broadmoor Caterpillar Show: Generations	Broadmoor Caterpillar Show: Big caterpillar
Broadmoor Caterpillar Show: Sam Surrounded	Broadmoor Caterpillar Show: Sam Explaining	Opening Day: Linda Teaching
"Swallowtails" 21x40	"Tiger Swallowtail Follow the Leader"	"Northern Pearly Eye Grass"
"Nemoria on Sweetfern"	"Blackberry Looper Emerald" 15x22	"Red Boots" 21x40
Hemaris thysbe - Hummingbird Clearwing	"Color of Grape" 21x31	WALL of DIVERSITY: "Fawn Sphinx"
" Life on the Leaf Edge - Finned" 21x31	" Life on the Leaf Edge - Wavy" 21x31	" Life on the Leaf Edge - Capped"
"Banner: Two Noctuids"	"Grapevine Calligraphy" 21x31	"Wild Lettuce" 21x31
Heliothis virescens - Tobbaco Budworm	"Goldenrod Flower Caterpillars"	"Spicebush Swallowtail Yin Yang"
"Chrysalis" 15x22	"Gravity" 24x36	"Grape Mimic"
"Elm Leaves"	Manduca Hornworm - Tomato Flowers	"Orange, Red, Green" 21x40
WALL of DIVERSITY: Double Toothed Reflections	"Catocala Underwing Pupa"	Beautiful Woodnymph on Grape
"Turbulent Abstract" 21x31	CaterpillarEmailTrial4.jpg