4 Mrs Bs left about 100 eggs in total. 6 larvae survived. Today this one, number 6, pupated shortly after I took this photograph. Needless to say, I missed it!
You can see how the abdominal pro (false) legs have been almost completely absorbed into the body. The skin is split at the neck.
Although you can't see it, the imaginal discs which will become the wings are already activated, as are all the others.
12 simple eyes will become 2 compound eyes.
The brain, respiratory and alimentary systems will remain but slightly altered. The mandibles disappear and the 2 halves of the proboscis through which the adult insect feeds will develop.
I expect a butterfly in about 2 weeks.
The first 2 to pupate should be showing signs of readiness in a couple of days and hopefully I will be a butterfly mummy any day after the 23rd.
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...
@milaniet@koalagardens thank you both. With luck and a following wind, the final 2 from the other source will pupate soon. This will give me the chance to photograph at least some of 20 eclosions. I can only hope the gods of cameras and Lepidoptera smile favourably upon me.
@susiemc thank you. Only one left to pupate. I expect to be a butterfly mummy on Tuesday/Wednesday, the first 2 are showing slight signs of preparing to eclose.
