Potty Break - _TNY_6205
Since a butterfly chrysalis is sealed, the caterpillar (and eventually butterfly inside) can't get rid of waste so it is stored.
Once it emerges and begins unfolding and pumping up its wings, getting rid of this is a top priority. The waste is called meconium - the same name as a newborn baby's poop.
This common mormon (Papilio polytes) at the Haga Ocean butterfly house is actually in the process of disposing of said meconium (you can see a drop at the end of the abdomen)
For a shot showing what the dorsal side of the wings look like, please have a look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52907390990/
Potty Break - _TNY_6205
Since a butterfly chrysalis is sealed, the caterpillar (and eventually butterfly inside) can't get rid of waste so it is stored.
Once it emerges and begins unfolding and pumping up its wings, getting rid of this is a top priority. The waste is called meconium - the same name as a newborn baby's poop.
This common mormon (Papilio polytes) at the Haga Ocean butterfly house is actually in the process of disposing of said meconium (you can see a drop at the end of the abdomen)
For a shot showing what the dorsal side of the wings look like, please have a look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52907390990/