I saw a strange thing strolling slowly through the garden’s grass just before noon yesterday 
At first, I thought it was just a piece of rope. However, I suddenly thought, “What if it’s a snake?”
I had to slowly approach for a closer look out of curiosity
But as I approached and the shape became more pronounced… Like a wave, panic struck me!
What I discovered next practically left me speechless.
I was enjoying a quiet walk in my yard when I became aware of something strange. A long, looping shape, like a rope, had been left on the ground by someone. I was captivated even though at first I thought it was simply a bit of thread.
But as I got closer, the spooky thought, “What if it’s a snake?” immediately came to me.
My heart started pounding. Something that had seemed harmless just now felt malevolent.
I grabbed my phone and snapped a brief picture, torn between curiosity and fear.
With my heart racing, I began to go closer, one step at a time. With each meter I walked, the strain increased and every step seemed heavy.But what if it was dangerous?I shuddered as I thought about it.
When I eventually got close enough to see the complexities, I was astounded. What I saw was very different from what I had anticipated.
It was neither a rope nor a snake.
In front of me was a living column, a slow but orderly procession of maybe 150 caterpillars!
Yes, I counted them one by one because I was in disbelief at what I was witnessing.
They were traveling in a straight path and in close quarters, possibly guided by an invisible commander. It was a curious and confusing scene. I had no idea that this kind of thing could happen, much less in my own backyard.
Where were they going? Why were there so many?
These are the questions that keep coming to mind.
It is thought that in order to avoid predators, caterpillars migrate in groups. Others believe it facilitates their ability to locate food. Those at the front clear the way so that others can follow them more easily, which may merely be an energy-saving strategy.
Nevertheless, where did they come from?
More importantly, where were they going?
