By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:28:48-05:00April 13th, 2019|Peek-A-Boo Metamorphosis, Silk Button|
The CREMASTER is the little stem-like appendage that reaches out from under the crumpled skin to connect with the silk button. It holds the chrysalis safely through wind and rainstorms, performing an amazing “high-wire” feat. The caterpillar actually lets go – and then grabs hold – Catching this on film was awesome – one of the best videos I have seen!!! PHOTOS: (images 1, 3, 4) Holli Webb Hearn, (image 2) Dr. Lincoln Brower
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:28:53-05:00April 13th, 2019|Silk Button|
Can you make a Silk Button? Of course not … you’re a human being, NOT a caterpillar! But other insects use strands of silk to build their webs and cocoons. Silkworms spins nets of silk for laying their eggs and making their strong silk cocoons. Silkworm cocoons are used to make the luxurious silk clothing we wear. Woolly bear moth caterpillars weave a unique cocoon by pulling out their own body hairs and weaving them into the cocoon. Spiders send out a dragline to move quickly from one place to another and [...]
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:29:00-05:00April 13th, 2019|Silk Button|
PHOTOS (left to right): (top row) both images Holli Webb Hearn, (second row) Jody Payne and Edith Smith – Butterfly Fun Facts, (third row) both images Lynn Rosenblatt.
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:29:06-05:00April 13th, 2019|Peek-A-Boo Metamorphosis, Silk Button|
By Kathi|2023-07-14T12:33:03-04:00April 13th, 2019|Munching Caterpillar|
After wiggling out of its old skin, the caterpillar then rubs off its FACE MASK. Even the face mask has become too small. The most amazing part is when the caterpillar turns around and EATS its own skin. Just like the eggshell that it ate for breakfast, the old skin is filled with vitamins to help our caterpillar grow big and strong. Kids love to collect the skins and face masks as the caterpillars grows. You can easily tape them onto a piece of paper for your science collection. Show all your friends! PHOTOS: [...]
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:29:19-05:00April 12th, 2019|Munching Caterpillar|
“Plant MILKWEED ~ and they will come!” Raising monarchs take LOTS of love, LOTS of dedication…and LOTS OF MILKWEED! PHOTO: Regina Ray PHOTO: Steven Munafo via Monarch Joint Venture PHOTO: Will Cook via CarolinaNature.com
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:29:25-05:00April 12th, 2019|Munching Caterpillar|
By Kathi|2023-07-14T12:42:49-04:00April 12th, 2019|Photo of the Day|
Do you shed your skin? You might say, “Of course not. I’m NOT a caterpillar, I’m a human being,” – but think again. Humans DO shed their skin every day as dry flaky skin sheds or peels off and new skin cells grow. Think of how your skin peels after a sunburn. Other creatures shed their skin, too! Can you think of a creature that outgrows their entire skin and molts? Take a look at this SNAKESKIN! WOW…that’s shedding!
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:29:56-05:00April 12th, 2019|Munching Caterpillar|
This is a very RARE Black and White caterpillar, posted graciously to Facebook by Heidi Aviles Nieves ~ Thank you for Sharing! As you can see, the adult monarch reverts to normal coloration. This example was found in Puerto Rico. …munch…munch…crunch…munch…Munch!
By Kathi|2021-02-02T09:30:01-05:00April 12th, 2019|Hello World|
You’ve heard the statement, “Three’s a crowd!” Well, in the monarch world the same holds true. Laying eggs on healthy, lush milkweed plants is extraordinarily important. Emerging monarch caterpillars chew, munch and devour their own eggshell for nourishment, but they may also ingest the eggshell of another if close by. PHOTO: Holli Webb Hearn For this reason the female seeks to lay her eggs very carefully – only one egg per plant. Notice the differences between the egg photos in this post! They tell a story. When milkweed is scarce and a [...]
