Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
A Tail of Two Ants π
They have no idea they are on or between the wings of a brand new
Anise Swallowtail butterfly.
We had 14 Swallowtail caterpillars on an anise,
and were able to follow one as it went from caterpillar to butterfly.
Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
hlutzow said:How did you get this shot?
Beautiful.
Thanks.....when they first emerge from their chrysalis, and their wings
are drying, they are very docile, and they will even perch on your finger (or head).
This one landed on some wood, and posed for me. see slideshow
Pretty neat to catch that Cal! Way cool slideshow too. That was a treat!
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
lauriemorningglory said:Wow! that is so cool, Cal! I missed the image as a banner. Thanks for posting the original and the slide show. Gorgeous pictures!
Thanks, Laurie!
Did you see the video of her emerging & pumping up her wings?
I missed it! Just watched it now. Well, parts of it---at 2x speed! I tried recording a swallowtail emerging last year, though it didn't quite work. It is interesting how the crumpled creature that emerges from the pupal skin can develop such gorgeous wings.
Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
It's 57 min, but she get's out in the first minute.....then it takes a while to unfold her wings.
I had to set up a camera 24/7 to get the moment. I'll try to speed it up e.g. 10X.
If you turn your back, they make their chrysalis, then again when they come out.
Very cagey.
see slideshow
