Smartweed caterpillars are a month earlier this year than last year..... Acronicta oblinita

This is a pretty caterpillar, but you wouldn't believe how plain the moth is! Last year I photographed the caterpillars on native Smartweed but I've seen them more frequently on Cattails.

Last summer was a little cool and this summer is, was until yesterday anyway, a lot hot. Every insect stage seems to be accelerated. Last year I photographed these guys in the same place (near the Fern Valley Wet Meadow bridge) on September 28. These guys may be pupated and metamorphosed by September 28. Wow.