The final moments of life as a caterpillar. The Brimstone larva is now preparing to pupate. Imaginal discs and enzymes have changed the body shape. Legs are shorter, the body thicker. It will support itself with a silken girdle and at the base of the tail the cremaster (hook) will attach to a silk pad. For 2 weeks little will be visible but the miracle of metamorphosis will change the leaf eating larva into a beautiful flying, nectar sipping butterfly.
030619TG5stack030619
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.
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@fbailey@madeinnl@milaniet This is the last caterpillar of 7 which were being raised inside, the only one surviving to pupatation. This morning it is preparing to hang in position where it will wriggle out of the final larval skin. In 2 weeks I'll have a Brimstone butterfly. With luck I'll see & record both events.
Thank you for your comments.
j
@koalagardens 5 of my other pupa (Tortoiseshells) have eclosed today. That means they have hatched from the chrysalis. They are now in the garden gathering strength to fly. I only let them out of their cages when they become agitated and have the potential to hurt themselves. The Brimstone has suspended itself overnight by the tail and silk girdle. It will soon shed the final larval skin and then we wait...
Thank you for your continued interest.
j
@susiemc Thanks, Sue. The caterpillar is now suspended by the tail and a silken girdle. It will wriggle out of its skin revealing the pupal shape, probably overnight so I'll miss it! Then the wait.
j
Thank you for your comments.
j
Thank you for your continued interest.
j
j