Just making sure, as this is my very first cat (just found it Friday, see my previous thread). So, it's really pupating, right? We are stationed in the plant/caterpillar room with the camera so we won't miss anything. :)
Pupating?!?!?
New picture .... I guess this picture kinda answers my question :)
Great shot there. Funny how they glue their butts to the stem and go from there. Please show pics of the chrysalid when you get them. I want to see the difference in yours and mine. Thanks girl.
Leslie
Most definitely will post pictures of the chrysalid when it's completed, or, before then while she's still in the process. Just curious, about how long does it take to form the chrysalid?
Your cat should be in a chrysalis by tomorrow sometime if it isn't already! Very cool! It takes several days to really harden. If it gets cool where you are, it may not emerge until Spring!!! So hang on to it!!!
Thanks so much, Becky for letting me know. I had no idea what to expect. I am seeing that the babies that I found Friday morning have just about doubled in size already!! And, the female (they are very pretty, I love the underside of their wings) was oviposting everywhere yesterday (found a few eggs), and then there was a mating session in the butterfly garden this afternoon, so I'm sure more eggs are to follow!! I just hope this one guy makes it.
It is still warm here -- it's currently 91 degrees. The evenings are getting cooler though -- in the 60's. But, I have the cats in the house, where it's between 75 - 78 degrees. So, I guess we'll see what happens.
I feel like I've been thrown into the water to either sink or swim with this!! LOL!!
That is a good way to put how you feel about this. I felt the same way and I am still not sure if I am sinking or swimming. I mean those guys will double in size in one day. They are amazing eaters. They don't care if they get fat, do they? I am sure they love getting their food handed to them every day, I know I would. The one in your pic is pretty doggone tubby, er I mean healthy. LOL.
Leslie
Hey, no fat caterpillar jokes, ok? I'm sure they are very sensitive about their weight!! LOL!!
Ok, I'm a bit concerned now, because this guy has stayed like this since my first post yesterday at 1:15 p.m. No visible progress at all. He still moves a bit, but that's it. Is that normal??? I'm trying to prepare my daughter for the worst, just in case, because the odds are so much against these guys. Yeah, we are both a bit concerned about tubby.
Felicia - Have patience. It will be just fine! It looks great in the comma! It just needs time.
Whew! Thanks, Becky. Since this is my first, I have no ieda really what to expect. And, I guess it's a good thing this is happening so fast, because there for 4 others that are now in their 2nd instar -- we saw one right after it molted this morning, wish we could have seen it happen, though.
Again, thanks Becky!!