In the pic you cannot see the thin layer of silk (is that the right word?) that attaches to the leaf and makes a transparent blanket over the caterpiller.

Andy can you recommend the best/most popular field guide for insects?
Eric

This book has a lot in it for a decent price, $25 plus shipping. It usually has at least a starting place on things Insects In Kansas One really nice thing is that it has a good number of color photos, though ours are often better ;) Then there's the usual books, but I'd get them at a used bookstore, maybe a few of them.

I live in Maryland and I spend some time in Arizona. Will the Kansas guide be beneficial to me? Are any of your pics in the guide?
Eric

PS
I was born in Kansas and Graduated from KSU dare I say 1974.

The KS book will help you. Kansas has a broad range of insects. It'll at least get you started in the right direction. Arizona, maybe not as helpful as Maryland. The Kauffman guide that was also recommended is good, but like I said, get a few of them at a used book store. KSU book you have to get from them. RE pics in guide. I have published pics, but not in the KS Guide. OH.... I should say to get the Kauffman guide new, maybe Eric Eaton makes some coin on every sale. I don't know if he gets paid royalties or if it's like photo sales, a flat fee paid.

Thanks for the advice.
Eric