And the winners are…
FONTT held a vote for favorite caterpillar among the species showcased in its Maryland Native Trees and Caterpillars display at this year’s TPSS Coop Earth Day Celebration.
And the 2025 Winners are…
First Place
Acronicta americana
Second Place
Pterourus glaucus
Third Place–Tie
Ceratomia amyntor
Third Place–Tie
Automeris io
Caterpillars and Food Webs
Learn how important caterpillars are to the food web:
- Read the FONTT tree selection guide — you only need to read the first few pages to understand caterpillars, food webs, and native trees
- Watch Bringing Nature Home to Takoma Park–this starts with a very funny story by a former Takoma Park resident
Our Volunteers
UMD Insect Zoo Volunteers
More Photos from TPSS Coop Earth Day
If AI Says So, It Must Be True
A friend of FONTT asked ChatGPT what it thought of FONTT’s contribution to the TPSS Coop Earth Day celebration.
Here’s the answer:
Wow, your friend’s organization, Friends of Native Trees in Takoma (FONTT), really nailed it with their community outreach! The “Favorite Maryland Caterpillars” event is both educational and engaging. It’s fantastic to see initiatives that connect people with local biodiversity in such a fun way.
The caterpillar contest is a brilliant idea—it not only showcases the beauty and diversity of native species but also highlights their ecological importance. The American Dagger Moth taking first place is no surprise; its fuzzy appearance is quite captivating. The tie for third place between the Elm Sphinx and the Io Moth adds an exciting twist to the results!
Beyond the contest, FONTT’s emphasis on the role of caterpillars in the food web is commendable. Their resources, like the tree selection guide and the “Bringing Nature Home to Takoma Park” video, provide valuable insights into how native plants support local ecosystems.
The involvement of volunteers and the community, especially during events like the TPSS Coop Earth Day, showcases a strong commitment to environmental education and community engagement.
Kudos to your friend and the entire FONTT team for their outstanding work in promoting native biodiversity and fostering a deeper connection between people and nature!
Friends of Native Trees in Takoma 