August was a fairly interesting month for Charlie, Alpha, and Pee Wee. However, September was crazy! As they grew, I was completely captivated by their little sticky feet, their chompers, and the single minded devotion in devouring maple leaves! You could actually hear them munching as they ate. So, these next photos are parts of their growth you don't often find in many other blogs. 😀
September 2
September 6 and 7. Aren't those 'teeth' incredible???
September 8. Such GREAT feet!!! As I mentioned, they are sticky and if you tug the critter, you can actually pull it apart because it doesn't like to let go of what it is holding. If you watch, you can see the little suction cups holding on and releasing as they inch their way along a branch or leaf. However, because those feet like to grab, it is difficult to get them to stretch out for a proper measurement.
September 9. In the last image shows paired furry front feet. Those also are grabby, but not like the back ones.
September 10 and 11. As you can see, in the second image, Pee Wee is quite a bit smaller than the other two. I honestly can't remember which instar these guys are in. Before they shed, they are often very quiet and appear dead. I thought I had captured one shedding, but cannot find the picture. It was incredible watching it slowly break out and shrug off their old skin. Although, the first instars often do eat the eggshells, they older ones do not eat their sheds. (note: I think instar should not be pluralized, but no matter!!!)
The last 3 are Jon's photos. He was able to capture how efficient these critters can chew!
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