Spike Wilter Wisdom

Kellie Anderson
Sep 13
2 min read

I have a deep connection with the elementals and can spot a critter from a mile away.

When out on our daily walks my husband is the one finding coins on the ground and I'm the one sighting the woolly bears, cicadas, cecropia moths. Just the other day I cautioned my husband, "don't step one the woolly bear", as he his path was about to intersect with the fuzzy orange caterpillar making it's way along the roadside. The woolly bear life was spared as I noted to myself how that was the third woolly bear I've seen this season. I consider it super fun if I get to see one each season - seeing three is like a dance party!

So, it's always a fun treat when my beautiful friend, Daniela from Namibia (@desertfairytales44), sends me pictures of her creature friends from Africa. From scarab beetles to Namib Sand Geckos, with each land offering she shares, I gain the opportunity to expand my awareness of and become more deeply connected with critter friends I would otherwise know nothing about.

Most recently she sent me images of this little guy, a Spikey Wilter.

The Spike Wilter (a leaf-footed / tip-wilter type bug) is a small, quietly powerful creature: camouflaged, precise, and often found on the tender tips of plants where its feeding can make new shoots wilt.

As I researched him and got to know him a little bit more, I've gained insights of how to work with the energies and meaning of his frequencies.

Here are some lessons from the Spikey Wilter

Mindfulness about beginnings: New shoots, new ideas, beginnings are tender; even small “bugs” (criticism, fears, doubt) can cause them to wilt. Protect the new growth in your life.

Hidden threats / subtle problems: Not every danger is loud; sometimes something damaging creeps in quietly. Encourage awareness to notice what is sucking your energy.

Protection through camouflage: Sometimes being hidden is a strength. Not everything has to be on display; sometimes you need to blend in, to protect, to observe.

Healing and pruning: If the tip is damaged, sometimes the plant needs pruning to heal. Similarly, in life, you may need to let go of parts that are damaged or being drained so new growth can happen.

Humility & respect for small creatures: Even small insects can have important effects on ecosystems; we are interconnected. Noticing small beings can deepen gratitude for all life.

Below are questions for reflection, inspired by our friend, the Spike Wilter

“What small, recent thing in my life needs more tending right now?”
“Where might something subtle be draining my energy?”
“What new shoot (project/relationship/idea) feels tender—and how can I protect it?”