Allegedly Innocent Caterpillar Allegedly Attacked by Vicious Yellow JacketI was just sitting on the new patio that our landlords installed, listening to the consistent, calming noise of power tools are being used to renovate the next-door apartment. I noticed a caterpillar (let's call him Hank), just minding his own business, passing the rocky path to the lawn. Then I noticed the nearby yellow jacket (Trevor), just above Hank. Trevor continued to fly about Hank, apparently taunting him. Then, out of nowhere, Trevor lands on Hank's posterior. "Whoa!", I thought. Is Hank being attacked or raped? It almost looked as if Trevor was munching on his back end. Finally, after witnessing such a grueling and torturous duel, Trevor flew off, after a final fly-by jeer. After Hank lay there, lifeless, he wiggled. Then he wiggled some more, but this is a caterpillar, and not a worm. His legs are useless, as he wriggles his way to find the grass. Hank left a wet mark and I could see that he was badly wounded from the trauma. Poor Hank, I'm sure won't be with us long.
What could provoke a freaking Yellow Jack to suddenly attack a caterpillar????!!!!
So weird.
Kat