Explore Ohio Outdoors

Explore Ohio Outdoors Enjoying the trails and scenery in the great state of Ohio.

Camouflage Friday features one of the easiest critters to overlook: the dock bug nymph. These little plant feeders are m...
09/05/2026

Camouflage Friday features one of the easiest critters to overlook: the dock bug nymph. These little plant feeders are masters at blending into the very leaves they live on. Their mottled browns and greens match the stems and foliage so well that you can stare right at one and never realize it’s there. The spiky edges of their bodies break up their outline, making them look more like a rough bit of plant than an insect.

09/04/2026

This caught my eye and made me stop. Looks like a dried leaf, but is it? Dead leaf or insect? Would you have paused to look? I’ll share the answer tomorrow.

09/03/2026

IO Moth Caterpillar

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #13The next in the caterpillar appreciation lineup is the IO moth. These are always a fun...
09/03/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #13

The next in the caterpillar appreciation lineup is the IO moth. These are always a fun find because they’re so unique looking. The younger ones hang out in groups. As they grow, they are solitary. They look soft, but those spines can sting, so do not touch.

They feed on a wide variety of plants and trees, so you can find them in a lot of places. Even with their bright colors and funky spines, they blend in surprisingly well.

What Is It Wednesday features the gnat ogre fly. These little guys are small, fuzzy, and built for speed. They grab othe...
09/03/2026

What Is It Wednesday features the gnat ogre fly. These little guys are small, fuzzy, and built for speed. They grab other insects right out of the air.

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #12The next caterpillar in the lineup is Datana angusii. These have that classic Datana l...
09/02/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #12

The next caterpillar in the lineup is Datana angusii. These have that classic Datana look with a dark body, white or yellow lines, and long wispy hairs. One of the easiest things to spot is the red legs.

They’re very similar to the yellow-necked caterpillar and the walnut caterpillar. All three have that striped body and group‑feeding habit. Datana angusii tends to have finer, thinner lines and those red legs. The yellow-necked caterpillar has that bright orange or yellow neck patch. The walnut caterpillar usually has heavier striping and a bolder pattern.

Did you remember to flip your calendar?This month features the White-tailed Deer.
09/02/2026

Did you remember to flip your calendar?

This month features the White-tailed Deer.

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #11The next bizarre caterpillar is the American Lappet Moth. These critters have one of t...
09/01/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #11

The next bizarre caterpillar is the American Lappet Moth. These critters have one of the best camouflages. Along their sides, they have little hairy lobes called lappets. When they’re stretched out, those lappets help break up their outline so they blend right in.

They mostly feed on alder, birch, oak, poplar, willow, and a few other common trees. They’re easy to miss unless you’re really looking.

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #10The next caterpillar in the appreciation lineup is the Yellow-haired Dagger Moth. Thes...
08/31/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #10

The next caterpillar in the appreciation lineup is the Yellow-haired Dagger Moth. These come in a surprising mix of colors. They always have wispy hairs and long black lashes near the back, and tufts around their neck.

They feed on a bunch of common deciduous trees like elm, oak, maple, birch, willow, hickory, and walnut. They may look soft, but their hairs are known for causing irritation. It’s still best to admire these fluffy little caterpillars without touching them.

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #9This intimidating caterpillar is the Imperial Moth. These are some of the largest cater...
08/31/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #9

This intimidating caterpillar is the Imperial Moth. These are some of the largest caterpillars we get in Ohio. When they’re full-grown, they can reach up to 5 inches in length. They come in different color forms too. Some are deep brown with orange spots, and others are bright green with bold yellow spots. Both versions are impressive.

Imperial Moth caterpillars feed on a variety of trees, including oak, maple, pine, and sweetgum. So, you can find them in a lot of places. Even though they’re big, their coloring helps them blend in surprisingly well.

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