The gulf fritillary created its J yesterday and today formed its chrysalis. It typically takes anywhere from 11 to 21 days to emerge from its chrysalis.
Fritillary dance
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Category Archives: gulf fritillary caterpillar
Almost done
The gulf fritillary caterpillar munching away on a corky stem passion vine. It looks like it may be in its last instar. It will soon head off to find the perfect destination for its chrysalis.
After hatching from an egg, the caterpillar will spend the next 11 to 16 days eating.
Eggs and caterpillars
A gulf fritillary’s egg is yellow and can be found on either the maypop passion vine (pictured above), or the corky stem passion vine, both of which are the host plant for this butterfly.
The egg will hatch three to five days after being laid. The caterpillar will spend up to 16 days eating.
Check out my page to learn more about the gulf fritillary and all of its stages from egg to butterfly at https://bit.ly/3vMyhbM.
Caterpillars
There are three sections of a caterpillars body, of course, with the first being the hard head, which includes its mouth on the lower side. The caterpillar has two jaws, which move from side to side, and includes either teeth, or blades, to cut, eat, through the leaves. On quite a few occasions, if you stop and listen closely, you can hear the caterpillars munching on the leaves.
The caterpillars found in the garden today are of various different sizes and species. I am sure there are more that we just did not find.
In order for a caterpillar to grow, it molts, which I read can take a day or two for the entire process to be completed. It’s fascinating to watch, if you ever have the opportunity to do so. The molting process takes place on several occasions, as the caterpillar has to shed its skin, so it can continue to eat and grow to the desired length. When a caterpillar begins to molt, it will create a silk pad, while making sure its prolegs are firmly attached. I find it interesting that the caterpillar will swallow air to enlarge itself, before its cuticle splits along the thorax, so it can wiggle out of the old skin.
Wide range of colors
Did you know that butterflies can perceive the widest range of colors within the animal kingdom? These remarkable insects can spot ultraviolet to the red end of the color spectrum. According to the book “Florida’s Fabulous Butterflies” by Thomas C. Emmel, the butterflies eyes are comprised of individual facets, allowing them to see objects as a mosaic with each facet seeing a portion of the total picture. The author said this is comparable to pixels making up a photo on the computer or television screen. Some species can see up to 17,000 facets, enabling them to see finer details. In addition, some butterflies also have 360-degree vision and are great at viewing moving images, which helps when in flight.
The ultraviolet light is pronounced during the daylight hours. According to Emmel, some broad petal flowers have spots on its rim that appear bright to the butterfly in this light, as they reflect UV light. The center part of the flower absorb the UV light casting a darker, or even black color to the butterfly’s eye. The dark helps the butterfly land in the right spot quickly to drink its nectar. This is a great ability for the butterfly as it becomes more vulnerable when drinking, than flying.
The caterpillar eyes (Gulf fritillary photo shown above) on the other hand, have two sets of six simple eyes. The oval-shaped clusters are located on each side of its head. Caterpillars can only see light and dark, and a few inches away.
The links below will direct you to my monarch and gulf fritillary pages for more information and photographs.