Zoo Keepin' in Humidity!

Boy, was it hot today! All of a sudden, it feels like someone turned the thermostat on outside!  Today was a busy "zoo keeping" day.  As we sorted through and observed the caterpillars in the baggies (don't worry, they love the baggie...), we began to identify caterpillars we hadn't noticed before when we were out in the field.  We even opened some of the psychidae cocoons to see if there were actually any live caterpillars inside.  Unfortunately, we were pretty unsuccessful, as most of the cocoons had been taken over by insects (spiders and ants).  I thought you would enjoy the picture where I am wearing the headlight.  Nice hair, huh!?

Here are some pictures that we took today.  Lots of cool new caterpillars!

This is a White-marked Tussock moth, part of the Lymantriidae family.  We didn't notice the baby caterpillar when we were in the field, but today, there were two caterpillars in the bag!  Exciting!

Tulip Tree Beauty (Geometridae family)

Filament Bearer (Geometridae family)

Yellow-Based Tussock Moth (Lymantriidae family)

Orange Dog - Giant Swallowtail (Papilionidae family) - Remember this guy from the first day we skyped?  He's building a "hammock" for himself.  What do you think he is going to do next?

Rather than give you the answers to my challenge questions, I thought I would still give some of you a chance to answer them.  I am proud those of you who are checking the blog each day and responding!  I would like everyone to try and come up with questions after tomorrow's web conference, so I can come prepared with answers for Friday's conference.  Please send your questions in the comments section and feel free to ask me whatever you would like!

This afternoon, we were helping clean the bunk house when I heard some local fisherman yelling to me through a fence.  Apparently, there were loose kayaks floating down the Pearl River, which must have floated away when the other team was out collecting caterpillars.  Luckily, the owner of a "Swamp Tour" had his boat running.  2 other teachers and I bolted to the dock and chased (literally going full speed in the speed boat) down the river to get the kayaks.  It was a lot of fun and a great laugh since the team who was out collecting caterpillars hadn't even noticed the kayaks were gone.  

So now, I am Ms. Coleman: the caterpillar hunter, plant investigator, AND kayak rescuer...

My last surprise for you guys is a little trip to a grocery store we all know very well!  I even posed in the cart for you guys but got stuck!  I looked a little silly, but knew you would enjoy seeing your teacher acting goofy!  I was hoping to see a dog like Winn Dixie inside, but no such luck.  Also, more videos of the Caterpillar Hunter are coming tomorrow.  :)  Miss you guys!  See you soon!