Notes on a caterpillar

These are notes I took during an encounter with an interesting caterpillar on June 20. I've been reading excerpts from Meriwether Lewis' nature journal, so please excuse the style. This is my first detailed description of any sort of organism. I plan to do more.

I was reading Norm Hammond's The Dunites (fascinating) in the park around 6 in the evening. I looked up to discover the most ornate caterpillar resting on the brake cable of my bike. About 3 cm long when fully extended (though it tends to contract when moving and climbing). Black body with rows of red dots running down the length of it. Fine white hairs about 5 mm cover the body. Two red/black eyes, round, protrude laterally at the front. From the left eye protrudes a long (6mm) black antennae structure; right antennae missing. Four orange-white tufts of fine hairs arranged in a row on the back behind the head. Long tail-like structure (1 cm) juts out of the rear at a 45 degree angle. It likes to crawl (over my resting bike and helmet). Movement appears to originate in the rear, then the other pairs of legs (8 pairs total) follow. Rear pair propels in a jump-like motion. Very friendly, curious; very strong legs. Wave-like motion while moving. Interesting creature. I should like to know what it develops into.

I drew a rough sketch of the creature at the bottom of the page, but it's nothing worth noting.