I am excited to share that I witnessed a cassius blue lay eggs on my plumbago plant this afternoon.
Although I could not find the eggs, I took two portions of the plant I saw her leave eggs on and put them in the butterfly house.
The caterpillar full grown is approximately .05 inches in length with a green coloring. The female will lay single eggs on the flower buds, which the caterpillar eats, as well as the flowers and any developing seeds. The caterpillar will go through four instars before creating its chrysalis, which is tan with dark marks and short white hairs.
She took a break and drank some nectar from a red sage, before returning to the plumbago, laying more eggs.
Wonderful to see a South African – the plumbago – featured in your blogpost, Meghan! The shrub is native to our country and very water-wise, so features in many local gardens – ours included. It is a staple in the diet of many local butterfly species.
I did not know that! Thanks for sharing! It is such a beautiful plant that has grown so well!!