The tropical frangipani caterpillar,Pseudosphinx tetrio, can grow up to 6 inches in length. This species feeds on toxic sap of the frangipani tree, which makes the caterpillar toxic and foul tasting to its predators. After gorging on the sap, it falls to the ground and pupates in the leaves or soil and eventually emerges into a large hawk moth. Photograph by Sara Squyres, PA-C, MPAS, Shoreline, Washington.
Blanca Lake, known for its stunning aqua colored water, is located in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Area in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. The Columbia Glacier, which sits between Columbia and Monte Cristo Peaks, feeds the lake from the north. The 2,700 foot climb is tough and is typically only easily accessible from July until the snows of October or November. Photograph by Sara Squyres, PA-C, MPAS, Shoreline, Washington.
