It has been exactly one month since this Gulf Fritillarys egg was laid, and today we have a chrysalis. It has been quite the journey this little one has taken us on. Lux-Mil ended up being completely camera shy. Hopefully that doesn't happen once it's emerging. I really hope to get to share that happening with you. But for now, we wait
Lux-Mil started eating tons, and before I knew it, the silk button was laid and the J formation took place. This "button" is made of silk from the caterpillars spinneret. It then grabs on with the last set of prolegs and hangs there looking like the letter J. Hence the term "J-ing". While in the J, transformation is already beginning to happen. Anywhere from 12-24 hours later, the caterpillar sheds for its last time, and its chrysalis is formed.
The shed skin is kinda cool, it still looks like the caterpillar, but yet looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. You can even see where the 6 eyes were on the caterpillar. So now it's a waiting game with Lux-Mil. Typically it can range anywhere from 7-14 days. Hopefully I catch it on film so y'all can see!! Definitely crossing my fingers on it!! So until next time, Peace, Love, and Butterflies✌🏼💝🦋🦋
