Stalking the Wild Elepherpiller

I love the park near my house. Not only does it provide me with a convenient source of exercise, but as a wildlife refuge in the midst of urban sprawl it just can't be beat.

Take today for example. I was out walking the main trail and came across a rare example of the nearly extinct Mid-Atlantic Elepherpiller. As you can see from the photograph, this elepherpiller has fattened itself up over the winter on bits of peanut butter granola bars discarded by careless hikers and is preparing to spin its cocoon. In just nine short weeks he (or she, it is difficult to accurately sex an elepherpiller) will emerge as a beautiful butterphant. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to walk this way again on that wonderful day!