Another sneak peak from my caterpillar projects, this time featuring the Spiny Elm Caterpillar. These caterpillars emerge from elm trees every year and eventually turn into Mourning Cloak Butterflies. This caterpillar is native to North America and Eurasia. When full grown, this two-inch-long caterpillar is covered with bristles. Its body is black with numerous white flecks and a row of red spots down the back. Its prolegs are red. In some parts of the country the caterpillars are seen in spring, but in some areas a second brood may be seen in late summer. It is about 2 inches (5 cm) long. It belongs to the category of "stinging caterpillars." The pupa of the Mourning Cloak is harmless - unlike the pupa of tent caterpillars (Malacosoma species), which may cause an allergic reaction on the skin if handled by allergy sufferers or individuals with very sensitive skin. Its spines may cause a stinging sensation if handled. Rendered without postwork in IRay. The elm bark is one of Martin Frost's Iray bark shaders and on one of my "Perching Places" trees.