I have always only found the remains of when a caterpillar molts, sheds, its skin. I have never witnessed the process in person until today when I took a peek into our butterfly house.
According to author Thomas C. Emmel of “Florida’s Fabulous Butterflies,” the caterpillar is comprised of chitin, a hard material that is somewhat like fingernails. With this type of skeleton, the author said, it does not grow, which is why the caterpillar, depending on the species, can molt up to nine times. The final stage of its molting is pretty incredible as it prepares to become a butterfly.
