More accurately the skin from the head & face as the caterpillar shed its too tight skin. The tiny head & face skin is stuck on setae, the bristles which offer a degree of protection against predators - or that's the hope.
240519TG5incamerastack240519
Doggie mummy living in ancient York, Yorkshire, England.
Joined 1st Jan 2018
1st Jan 2024 have achieved 196%
28 March 2024 200%
I take photos, am not a photographer.
Interested...
@oldjosh@homeschoolmom Thank you very much, the camera allows us to see things we would never expect. I've only seen this in Brimstones, I assume all caterpillars have a similar "system" but the colour of the Brimstone makes it easier to see detail we might miss in other species.
@koalagardens Thank you. I suppose a bit of information adds meaning to an image if you don't know what you are looking at. I first saw this last year but at a later instar (stage of development).
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@pej Thanks, Paul. I've asked advice about the droplets & am waiting for a reply. Like you I assume it's defensive in some way as are the setae (bristles). Don't know if the liquid is toxic or unpleasant tasting. As soon as I find out I'll let you know.
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