I’m working on a fantasy novel about caterpillars and moths (no butterflies). I have no idea if I’ll finish it or publish it in the future, it’s just for fun.
I’m doing my own research constantly, but I’d like to know what species other people think would make cool caterpillar or moth characters in a fantasy world, in case I’ve missed anything. Thanks!!
A recent page I made in my journal. This is a fun one! It makes me feel closer to my caterpillars by appreciating their little differences <3
Scouring Reddit and other online sources, I’ve read a thing or two about being able to tell the sex of pyrrharctia isabella caterpillars (during later instars). I’m not sure if it’s true or how reliable it is, so I’m testing it out for myself for fun!
I made a vaguely similar post a few days ago, but I’m trying again to get more suggestions. Here’s what I’m looking for…
Length: novels or novellas. Preferably standalone, but series are also okay if they really meet the criteria.
Genres: literary fiction, speculative fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, dark fantasy, and/or environmental horror. I’m looking for stories that are more artistic and emotional than action-based in general.
Themes: autism/ADHD, LGBTQ+, self-discovery, familial/platonic love, fairy tales, and/or protecting the environment
Other criteria: I’m looking for more than just human characters. Animals, mythical creatures, and/or humanoids are all good.
BONUS: if the story meaningfully incorporates any caterpillars, moths, and/or butterflies (and not just symbolically). I’m also open to stories about other insects or insect-like creatures.
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Please also include a little explanation as to why you think your book suggestion(s) would be a good fit. Thanks!!
I’m a new hobbyist writer looking for books (fiction novels) that could help me write my own story. I’m open to anything really, as long as… 1) it relates to my own story ideas in some way, and… 2) it has more than just human characters. Humans alone tend to bore me and I much prefer stories that include at least a few animals, mythical creatures, and/or humanoids.
Here’s some info about my story…
Genres: Fantasy/literary fiction with a few sci-fi and ecological horror elements
Summary: The story takes place on a planet dominated by dragon-sized caterpillars/moths, which I call scalewings. Humans from another planet try to colonize this new planet. After many years of war, scalewings are thought to be extinct. But the scalewings are hiding in preparation to destroy the humans one day. The magic system revolves around their scales/scaledust and metamorphosis. The main characters include a young autistic girl and her non-binary sister who are both part-scalewing, a scalewing character who eventually transforms together with the young girl into a new being, and a closeted gay man (or woman?) who hates all scalewings.
Themes: disabilities/mental illness, familial/platonic love, change/growth, grief, mystery, fairy tales, protecting the environment, colonialism
This is a very basic summary, but I hope it gives enough of an idea for book suggestions! I’m kind of going for ‘wonderfully weird’ vibes here. I love caterpillars/moths and being autistic and queer but I get the impression there aren’t many books that explore those subjects. Other than children’s books about caterpillars, lol.
Thanks so much in advance!!
I’m obsessed with woolly bear caterpillars, so I started this journal last fall! The doodles are inspired by a book I had since my childhood.
I’m too embarrassed to show my whole journal since some of my previous entries are quite sloppy, but I’ll start here with my overwintering success! I live in an apartment, so I don’t have a cold garage or a backyard which would have been ideal. Instead, I put my caterpillars on my balcony. But it’s very windy sometimes, so keeping them in a ventilated bin is more secure than a mesh cage, which I know is what most researched people keep their caterpillars in. Also, I put them in separate bins other than for overwintering because they seem to like their solitude, and it’s more sanitary. Woolly bears *can* cannibalize, it’s just not as heard of for them as it is for other caterpillar species, like monarchs. While overwintering, they don’t need to eat, at least not where I live (Quebec, Canada) because it stays cold enough outside. I’ve also heard of people refrigerating pupas and maybe caterpillars to overwinter them, but I’m not familiar with that process.
I’m sharing my process if it helps anyone, but I’m also open to any feedback if I can improve on anything :) I’ve done all my research but you always learn more from experience. I’m up to page 10 in my journal so far! I’ll probably share more entries in the future.
I’m assuming it’s a moth cocoon because of the hairs on the outside and the empty pupa case inside. I want to believe it’s from an isabella tiger moth because I’ve seen many woolly bears around the area, but I feel like the cocoon should be darker with more black and orange hairs. Maybe it’s from a virginia tiger moth? I found it in Montreal. It was attached inside a rotting tree cavity low to the ground. Thanks!