Elm Sawfly Larva

We were getting our trailer ready for a camping trip, and saw this yellow "thing" on the step we use. I thought at first that it was some kind of cocoon, but when I looked at it closer, I could see that it almost looked like a caterpillar. However, it wasn't quite like a caterpillar. I took the following pictures of it so that I could see if we could identify it.

It took awhile, but we finally found that it is the larva of an elm sawfly. I had never heard of the elm sawfly, so this was interesting. The elm sawfly is a type of wasp.  Both the adult and larva can cause damage to trees, especially elm trees and willows.

It was fascinating to look at. It didn't have "hair" like a caterpillar, and apparently has 7 prolegs compared to no more than 5 prolegs on a caterpillar. I didn't know this fact at the time, and don't know that I would know how to count them.

When the larva feels threatened, it coils itself and can release volatile chemicals if needed. We didn't disturb it much so didn't see this happen. It was coiled up when we first saw it. 

God has made so many different, unique creatures. It's good to look at them more closely to see the intricate detail on them. Fascinating!

All things came into being through Him,
and apart from Him nothing came into being that has has come into being.
John 1:3