The zebra longwing caterpillar is back in our garden munching away. The caterpillar will molt five times before creating its chrysalis.

An interesting fact about this species is the zebra longwing males mate with a female before it emerges from its chrysalis, which is often hard to find due to its brown leaf like coloring. Once found, the male, through its senses, will continually perch on the chrysalis after it is determined a female. The male will fend off other males by opening its wings. For several hours the mating takes place, and the female emerges expanding her wings during the process, according to the Florida Museum of National History. While mating, the male transfers its repellent, claiming her as his.