by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Dover Town Library (DTL) was recently crawling with both visitors and caterpillars on a hot Monday afternoon in July. The Caterpillar Lab, who, according to their website, “is a New England based, nonprofit organization that is passionate about showcasing the amazing diversity of Northeastern caterpillars through educational programs, art, and science” was visiting with a selection of very interesting specimens and a wealth of knowledge.
Tables lined the community room in a U shape, and, at first glance, each table had only small trees, plants or flowers on it. It was only when you looked closer that you could see the caterpillars. Most visitors found that initial worries about a room full of creepy crawlies quickly subsided, giving way to curiosity and even admiration. “Look at all the colors on this one,” murmured one adult to their child. “It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you so much for bringing me!” one young boy said, throwing his arms around his mom. “This is awesome. Can we stay a little longer?”
The Caterpillar Lab’s staff was also on-hand to patiently and expertly answer the numerous questions the children - and some adults! - had about the small creatures. Some interesting things they shared include: while some caterpillars do turn into butterflies, most are actually moths. Some people mistake particularly beautiful moths for butterflies. Another interesting fact is that the colorful Imperial Moth, once prevalent in Massachusetts, is now only found in southern states due to increased pesticide usage in this region. Lastly, the toxic slug caterpillar has glass spines that are filled with droplets of venom that disperse if the spines are damaged, making it a less desirable food option for predators. Its name comes from the way that it gets around, as it has no back legs and uses a sticky stomach to push itself forward.
Interested in learning more about caterpillars? View The Caterpillar Lab’s upcoming event calendar at www.thecaterpillarlab.org. You can also visit the lab in Marlborough, NH, during open hours, which are free, open to the public, and listed on their website. For information on upcoming events and programs at DTL, visit dovertownlibrary.org.
