Wondrous insect found whilst splitting wood today

We split wood in the heat of summer. It dries out in two months, and we sell it in the fall.

I’ve only found termites once or twice in 40 years, but I’ve found dozens of other interesting creatures in those decades. None of the insects I’ve ever seen inside wood have ever been as cool as the one Edgar found today inside a piece of red oak-

There is/was no obvious hole through the bark, so this insect’s pathogens would never know that he/she/they are inside.

Both halves next to each other.

The leaves of some unknown plant had been chewed into pieces about 1.5 cm by 1.5cm, and were swirled together like a cigar- leaf pieces intertwined to protect whatever is inside.

In this picture, you can see that the bark completely seals the tunnel. How the hell does Mother Nature design such ingenious insects without our knowledge? I bet you a million bucks America’s Indians knew exactly what this is. They probably had a cool name for it like-

Grey Worm
or
tunnel bug
or
good mom worm.

I can’t wait to find out what it is. Call me crazy (American Indians would have a name for me:

”He with too much time on his hands”)

Don’t worry!!! I put the wood Back together and placed it carefully in a safe spot so it can pupate and go on to finish it’s life cycle.

When I find out what it is, I’ll place the name and info back up here. Couple-a-days hopefully.

This experience is just one more reason to look at Mother Nature much more carefully. More respect is deserved for her intellect, creativity, ingenuity, and splendor.

Post script with potential answer to this insect’s identity- it might be a “leaf cutter bee.” The mother drills a hole in wood, lines the hole with leaves, nectar and pollen (enough for all nutritional needs of the one or more offspring inside). I’m still searching for more info.

Link to interesting website about these interesting insects that I never knew existed until yesterday:

​http://connect.natureserve.org/sites/default/files/publications/files/web_-_leafcutter_bee_report_brochure.pdf

I also found a butterfly larvae on a wild dill plant yesterday. I have seen it before- I know it’s not a monarch, but not quite sure which butterfly it is. Whatever it is, I LOVE THIS CREATURE (I found out what it is).

This is a wonderful black swallowtail butterfly larvae.

It’s a creature of mother nature’s making, a product of millions of years of evolution. A creature to understand, appreciate, and love.