Surprise Development: FOTD Jan 3, 2024

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When I reached into this cluster of assorted succulents and grabbed this dried leaf to pull it from the branch, it wriggled in my fingers and pulled away from me.  Only then did I realize that it was a cocoon!  I forgot to check it again today, but there was certainly evidence of life within it yesterday.  Yes, of course I left it. Curious to see what emerges, if I’m lucky enough to observe it.

Post Script: Unfortunately, I waited too long. I actually took that photo on Dec. 30. Went out today (Jan. 3) to inspect it and it was gone. Not one evidence of anything every being there. I searched all the remaining plants that I could see and nada. Brian thinks it was a Case Moth or Bag Worm, and I think he is correct. Guess we’ll never know for sure, though. So sorry that I didn’t keep better track of it.

For Cee’s FOTD

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About lifelessons

My blog, which started out to be about overcoming grief, quickly grew into a blog about celebrating life. I post daily: poems, photographs, essays or stories. I've lived in countries all around the globe but have finally come to rest in Mexico, where I've lived since 2001. My books may be found on Amazon in Kindle and print format, my art in local Ajijic galleries. Hope to see you at my blog.

19 thoughts on “Surprise Development: FOTD Jan 3, 2024”

    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Unfortunately, I waited too long. I actually took that photo on Dec. 30. Went out today (Jan. 3) to inspect it and it was gone. Not one evidence of anything every being there. I searched all the remaining plants that I could see and nada.

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Also known as bag worms, I believe. A friend had one that she photographed for weeks during its development and hatching. She lived on the coast of Mexico. But I don’t think they are normally found in Mexico. Must go out and see what is going on with my cocoon..

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      1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

        Okay, went out to see and it is totally gone! It must have been in the last stages of development before flying away… or perhaps it just moved locations. Do they do that?

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      I think it was a bagworm. A friend did a number of posts on one in Facebook last year. It develops into a moth, so since it was gone 3 days later, either a bird ate it or it flew away. I hope it flew away!!

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  6. Unknown's avatarAnonymous

    It looks sticky and melt in the mouth like caramel candy. Or maybe not. I sent Carolyn a pod once and it hatched at her place of employment…hundreds of praying mantises..and almost got her fired.

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  7. Pingback: More Surprises re/ the Bagworm or Case Moth | lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown

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