Indra Swallowtail Butterfly Metamorphosis Pupation Time Lapse Documentary V01713

Note: The caterpillars tied themselves to the cardboard with their own silk. Details below... A very close-up look at the pupation process of the Indra Swallowtail (Papilio indra phyllisae) as it begins metamorphosis into an adult insect. Documentary includes time lapse of the pupation and emerging events, as well as still images of the larvae and adult butterfly. The molting process: Caterpillars have to molt their skin as they grow because the skin is essentially a bag which doesn’t grow with the caterpillar. After molting, the new skin (which forms under the old one), can stretch a bit as the caterpillar continues to grow into it. Caterpillars of this species typically molt their skins 4 times while they grow. Finding a spot:: When the caterpillar reaches maturity, it leaves the host plant and begins a 1 - 2 day search for a dark, secluded and cool location to pupate, typically in/under cracked/loose rock or deep in shady foliage. When a site is found, it idles there for 24 hours or so to verify the si