It’s pretty cool to watch caterpillars eat. There are still some great southern white caterpillars in the garden.
Hanging on
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Category Archives: great southern white caterpillar
The great
The great southern white caterpillars have reappeared in the garden. I left the pepperweed growing in the garden. Some that I found growing in the yard, I dug up and plainted in pots, as it is the host plant for this butterfly. I am happy to say some are still green and doing great.
So many
My enclosure is full of great southern white chrysalis. They are everywhere, on the plant, the sides of the enclosure, the bottle holding the plant.
The great return
The Great Southern White butterflies have returned to the garden. I have noticed them almost daily now hovering and landing on their host plant, Virginia peppergrass (pepperweed). This plant grows freely all over the yard. It probably started pushing through the dirt last month. The best part, it is now growing in numerous places in my designated, safe space, garden area.
The female, which can be a dirty to gray, white coloring, with black forewing apex, and a black forewing cell spot, have sure been busy. The female lays yellow, spindle-shaped eggs, either single, or in clusters. The photographs, below, show the eggs in clusters.
My favorite distinction of this butterfly is the amazing turquoise antennal clubs. They are absolutely stunning. The wingspan of this butterfly ranges from 45 to 58 mm.
Finally done
As always, it was fascinating to watch the lifecycle of a new species up close and personal in our butterfly house. I am happy to say that our great southern white caterpillars are finally done eating and have all found their final destination to make their chrysalis. They are everywhere inside the butterfly house, some with two or three in a row. I am excited to see them all emerge and flutter away in the garden.
My heart is so happy. Sometimes you have to give yourself credit, so here it goes.
I was surprised with a bouquet of pepperweed today, which absolutely warmed my heart. My daughter found the pepperweed while she was at recess at school and decided to pick it for me because “here, Mom, food for the caterpillars.” The expression on her face was heartwarming. It’s incredible, really, for a 6 year old, to remember what pepperweed looks like among the rest of the grass. This amazing little girl retains so much knowledge.
Almost 3 years ago we began dipping our fingers into the soil planting our first butterfly garden. I have so happy she shares my joy and remembers the names of all the butterfly species, host and nectar plants. The best part – that excitement we share together of this beautiful, rewarding hobby.
So, I think I have finally found a way to regrow the pepperweed after it is picked. I was able to see the seeds when the leaves dried out, which are now in the dirt, hopefully, popping up soon.
