Jim, more host plants!
Ann, I've only raised two Tiger STs to chrysalis stage, but I've noticed they act a lot like Spicebushes. Even though Spicebush STs build elaborate nests, they still go into that "wandering phase" and end up who knows where. I did notice the Tiger STs I raised didn't seem to wander nearly as long as other Swallowtails. And one made his chrysalis very close to the place where he molted for the last time. But in general, I think they find a new place to make their chrysalis.
I was a little worried about my Tiger ST caterpillar. He was on his silk pad and ready to molt. But it seemed like it had been longer than normal and that he should have molted by now. I saw him tensing and stretching but he wasn't doing it. Finally, I got hungry and went and had a sandwich. And when I was done, so was he! He's now in his final instar and ready to grow into the biggest caterpillar he can be!
Well, I slept pretty much all day today except for a brief period this afternoon. It was raining for a bit but when it stopped, I went outside and got caterpillar food. Nothing new to report there. Yesterday, there was a lot of action and I managed to get some pictures. So did Mom. When I woke up yesterday, there was an email waiting in my inbox from her and it had these three pictures of a Tiger ST.
What's weird is that I saw a Tiger ST yesterday (couldn't get photos) but it looked male. The one in Mom's photos looks female. I remain on the lookout for eggs. We both also saw the Giant ST but couldn't get photos of that either. But let's dive in to what I did get pictures of. Here's a Gulf Frit on Mexican Flame Vine.
And I had two Spicebush STs on the red pentas at the same time! Both males, though. Click on the picture because they're in the corners.
And one Spicebush even liked the pink pentas! It's pretty shredded, though. But he was flying just fine.
This is one of two Zebra Longwings that was floating around. This one is pretty roughed up, too.
