Ugly Duckling …
I didn’t know what to make of it at first, is this the front or rear … or deceptive in survival, eat the tail before the head?
*Click on the pictures for a proper look … and click again
It becomes apparent … it’s the rear all right, of a not very attractive caterpillar resting out of the sun and wind.
At least, by the look of it, I wouldn’t eat it. Not without someone else testing it first. An unusual creature for sure.
Actually, it does grow on me. It is pretty in a way, an alien life-form sort of way. I wasn’t game to taste it though.
And here is its face coming into view, tucked into its middle. Mother probably loves her, mother Earth for sure.
Mother loves us all … And there are its eyes, bottom left, a few small round black dots – click on it and click again. To see into this wonderful Earth with.
An other passing form, in the simple pleasure of being.
And mind, as form, is stilled in apprehension of sensation.
All begins and ends with peace, of mind …
… realisable space of a spiritual nature.
You just gotta look to see …
… in a practical world.
© Mark Berkery ……. Click on those pictures for a closer look
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Nature's Place 
Really interesting. What is it? They freaked me out (because I’m a sissy) but fascinated me as well. Great pics.
It’s a caterpillar, is all I know. Thanks …
Impressive! Functional ugly/pretty. Pretty ugly. I thought those large black orbs where it’s eyes, spikes coming out of them, until I saw the last pic with the tiny eyes. Would love to know what it morphs into.
So far nobody knows …
Crikey. Hope it transmogrifies pretty, Mark.
I wonder what it turns into too, but I can live without knowing.
Do you think it could be a swan in disguise?
This is the first I’ve seen you describe one as unusual, I think. I agree that there’s some appeal to it in an “alien life-form sort of way.” I’ve never seen such a caterpillar before.
In a way they’re all unusual, out in the wild. From our position of civilized protection, cocooned against having to confront the raw power of nature, our own nature.
I am not always writing of what it appears here.
I thought she was kind of pretty from the get-go, Mark! Amazing “tail,” with those foot-like, fan-like extensions. And, as always, marvelous images.
Actually, I was going to change the title but forgot. Now it’s out it will have to stand.
You’re right, she is pretty anyway. And you can tell there is a quality of being that adds to the attraction, being at peace perhaps.
Thanks Cate.
A very interesting looking caterpillar and well documented with your photos. Any idea what those four ruby-like inlays are on the right side of its head?
Inlays? Along the line where caterpillar meets leaf? That would be legs I think.
I like your words coming with the amazing photographs of this caterpillar. After a while of looking at it, there appears some glimpse of the charme of a pug.
Yes, with the loose skin. It does have peace of mind, in itself an attractive quality.