How does a worm-like (larva) caterpillar turn into a beautiful moth or butterfly? This amazing transformation is one of the most striking examples of complete metamorphosis.
Metamorphosis of the larva to a pupa and of the pupa to an adult is controlled solely by the caterpillar’s hormones. After the larva, or caterpillar, bites its way out of the egg, it grows very rapidly. Because the "skin," or exoskeleton, does not grow or expand, the caterpillar molts several times. Just before the final molt, the caterpillar attaches itself to a twig or branch with a silken thread and during the final molt, the pupa emerges. The butterfly pupa, called "chrysalis" (KRIS-a-lis), is protected in a hardened pupal shell. Processes then go on inside the pupal form that will change the crawling caterpillar to a beautiful winged creature of the air.
In the pupal, or "resting," stage, the larva is quite helpless and inactive, though enormous changes are taking place. If you look at the pupa form closely, you will see the outline of the folded adults’ wings and the antennae. In time, a completely rebuilt larva is ready to emerge as an adult moth or butterfly. How does it get out of the pupal shell? By pushing against the pupal casing, splitting it and crawling out. Once outside, the butterfly swallows air. This action pumps body fluids into its crumpled and wet wings. When the wings become dry and full-sized, the butterfly or moth flies away.
FAMILY: Saturniidae
GENUS: Atticus
SPECIES: (Various)