Butterflies and Moths

38

The perfect insect

The final stage in the metamorphosis of a butterfly

or moth is very exciting. The insect that emerges

from the pupa is very different from the caterpillar

that made it. A total transformation has taken

place. Keep a lookout for pupae ready to

hatch. You will not be disappointed

with what follows.

Hatching time

Look for a pupa with a split in it.

This is a sure sign that things are

about to happen! First the legs

and antennae will appear from

this split, followed shortly after

by the rest of the body.

Crumpled and soft

Once it has emerged, the wet

and delicate insect crawls to a place

on the empty pupa from where it

can hang downward to dry out.

Split in pupa

Wing patterns are

sometimes visible

through a pupa that

is ready to hatch. Antenna

Wings are

crumpled and wet.

US_038-039_The_perfect_insect.indd 38 11/10/17 3:34 pm