Technically, I believe they are still larva. But by early evening I believe they will enter the "pupa" stage (I've been reading up the life cycle of a Swallowtail butterfly).
See how the little feet have let go of the stick? They are now going to shed their skin for the last time and form a chrysalis. Once it forms the cocoon, it's a pupa.
Gotta run---have only 8 minutes to me and the pupii (pupas?) to work! I am taking them to work so I don't miss the big change from larva to pupa.
3:30pm update: Nothing happened all day at work. Everytime I checked the larvea, they looked the same. If I pulled out the stick to show someone, they would wiggle a bit, but nothing else. Darn! They will probably make the big change while I am sleeping tonight.
This is awesome Zoey! I remember my 3rd grade teacher did this in my classroom. I wish I had thought of that when the caterpillars at all my tomatoes last year! I can't wait to see what happens next!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is awesome that you want to see it, Zoey, and it's pretty cool that you're not only letting your blog-fans in on the fun, but that some of your coworkers may also see the big change.
ReplyDeleteAnnie at the Transplantable Rose
So fun!! I love popping in our your blog - it's always so good! By the way, the basil your smelling and the pupa - they kind of match!!! How fun!
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted! Thanks
Hi chopsticks, I wonder how I missed doing this in school? Maybe I did, but don't remember.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, Unfortunately nothing happened with the larvea at work today. I checked on them a zillion times, but they just hung there, bobbing their heads if I took the stick out to show them off to someone. I suppose they will make the big change while I am sleeping tonight!
Hi Chirgwin family, Welcome! I laughed when I read your comment because I just thought the very same thing when I pulled up the blog!
Those swallowtail butterflies must be simply delightful if they come from such colourful 'babies'.
ReplyDelete