Imperial Moth Returns

 I last saw one of these guys in September, 2013 (click here to see my post at that time). I was coming home  from the Y this morning and this caterpillar was lying on the concrete porch, certainly dropped out of the maple tree above. You know in advance when they're there by the little balls of excrement that rain down.

 While my purpose here is hardly to talk about excrement, this caterpillar produces something unusual. The dark little balls are textured, look almost like Four O'Clock seeds to me.

 Here's a look at what dropped in today:

 Imperial moths are common in Ohio. Interested in the life cycle and see what an adult looks like? Click here.