The "J" Formation (Final Stage Before Pupation Begins)
It was noted at 2:23 PM on July 20, 2019 that this Monarch Caterpillar was no longer feeding. Attempts were made to place fresh milkweed in its habitat and gently place it on the leaves to induce feeding. Four attempts were made, but each time it would crawl away, rear up and look around. At that point, I placed the caterpillar in a dark, quiet place.
His measurements at this point remained the same as the previous one taken at 6:36 PM on July 19, 2019, 45mm in length and 25.12mm in girth at 2:23 PM July 20, 2019.
By 9:12 PM, July 20, 2019, it had attached itself to one side of the net screen protector around the little habitat I provided and is now in the "J" position for pupation. It will hang like this for about 24 hours and then begin to form a green pupa or chrysalis. It will take 9-14 days to develop into a Monarch Butterfly! *See this link: www.butterflybushes.com/monarch_metamorphosis.htm and the "J" photo below.
The "J" Formation (Final Stage Before Pupation Begins)
It was noted at 2:23 PM on July 20, 2019 that this Monarch Caterpillar was no longer feeding. Attempts were made to place fresh milkweed in its habitat and gently place it on the leaves to induce feeding. Four attempts were made, but each time it would crawl away, rear up and look around. At that point, I placed the caterpillar in a dark, quiet place.
His measurements at this point remained the same as the previous one taken at 6:36 PM on July 19, 2019, 45mm in length and 25.12mm in girth at 2:23 PM July 20, 2019.
By 9:12 PM, July 20, 2019, it had attached itself to one side of the net screen protector around the little habitat I provided and is now in the "J" position for pupation. It will hang like this for about 24 hours and then begin to form a green pupa or chrysalis. It will take 9-14 days to develop into a Monarch Butterfly! *See this link: www.butterflybushes.com/monarch_metamorphosis.htm and the "J" photo below.