Sick or Molting?

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jlp222 Hammond, LA(Zone 8b) May 16, 2010

I have 4 caterpillars inside that I rescued yesterday after/during the rain.

One of them is losing it's color. It's more yellow than black/yellow/white.

The others look fine, but one has been sitting still for about 10 hours. He still looks fine though.

Any thoughts?

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margaran (Maggie) Jacksonvill, FL(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

Got pics?
Maggie

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jlp222 Hammond, LA(Zone 8b) May 17, 2010

No, it's kind of hard to take pictures inside of their little home. I think he is going to be OK. His coloring is better and he is in another part of the enclosure. I think he molted.

Thanks, Jennifer

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margaran (Maggie) Jacksonvill, FL(Zone 9a) May 18, 2010

That's good. The sick cats I've seen all turn dark.

Maggie

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Sheila_FW Fort Worth, TX(Zone 8a) May 18, 2010

Sometimes if disturbed while molting they won't complete it and will die. I always try to pick the stem that they are on just in case they are. You didn't say what kind it was but sounds like a BST. Glad you rescued them.

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jlp222 Hammond, LA(Zone 8b) May 20, 2010

Sheila, they are Monarchs. Guess I should have said that ;)

I have 6 all together and the one in question is fine. I have everybody from 2nd instar to 5th. I need a bigger box!

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Sheila_FW Fort Worth, TX(Zone 8a) May 20, 2010

Great, glad they are doing ok.

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