|
| Back on October 2006 I gathered up about 15 caterpillars from an orange tree back at the ranch. I thought they were all Giant Swallowtail caterpillars but I noticed one looked a bit different so I took photographs.
All went into the chrysalis stage and emerged within about two weeks but I had four overwinter. Earlier this month one finally emerged. I thought nothing of it but took some photos before I released it just for grins...since I'd been babysitting them for so long. Well, once I uploaded the photos onto my computer I realized it was a little different from the common Giant Swallowtails I see all the time. This butterfly did not have the yellow spots on the tails and the forewing tip spots were a bit different as well. Sent the photo to my local NABA and they verified it was a rare Ornythion Swallowtail. Way Cool!!!! Had never seen an Ornythion at the ranch...let alone unknowingly raise one!!! I am still babysitting three chrysalids...but am thinking they will be Giant Swallowtails...time will tell. ~ Cat Click on the thumbnail for the full sized photo Ornythion Swallowtail caterpillar
Ornythion Swallowtail Butterfly
|
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Cat, how excellent! Maybe you should post this on the discussions page? The gallery page doesn't seem to get as many visitors this time of the year. Personally, I think this is GREAT news. I'd be so excited! Maryann |
|
- Posted by bigthicketgardens 8b Texas (My Page) on Sun, Mar 11, 07 at 14:11
| WOW!!! That is really really cool!!! Check out the purple spots on the caterpillar, beautifuly magnificent photos. Thanks for sharing! I've never seen a picture of the Ornythion caterpillar before. Very very exciting! |
|
- Posted by todancewithwolves Z9 CA (My Page) on Wed, Mar 14, 07 at 16:59
| I took advantage and browsed all your butterfly pictures. They are incredible! What is the name of the purple flowered plant? It gets a lot of action. Edna |
|
| Congratulations and good work! What an exciting development and a great way to perk up the winter. Have the other three eclosed yet? geni |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Butterfly Garden Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.