Clear Intentions

Christine took these photos of a spitfire caterpillar (Lepidoptera sp.? Doratifera sp.?) in Sockton, NSW, Australia.

I'm having a hard time telling up from down, topside from underbelly, and left from right on this thing. I can't orient myself. But in the end, that doesn't matter. They're called spitfires for a reason. Not because they literally spit fire (that particular talent can be found in my 2-year-old daughter), but because those spines hurt if you brush against them.

You've got to love a big juicy grub that looks a bit like guano and then zaps you if you get too close. His intentions are very clear. He doesn't want to be bothered.

Thanks for the photo, Christine.