Did you know that the very first meal a caterpillar eats is its egg shell!?
When a butterfly larva (caterpillar) first hatches from its egg, it is very small! This young caterpillar is referred to as a FIRST INSTAR caterpillar. Caterpillars have a total of 5 INSTARS before pupating into their chrysalis. A caterpillar has only one job: to eat! Many species of caterpillars begin their lives by eating their egg shell, which contains loads needed & valuable nutrients.
This is a Gulf Fritillary caterpillar, born 2/25/18, will be reared out on Passionflora incarnata “alba”. Want these beauties in your yard. Look for Native Passionflora (Passionvine) to your area. Soon you will have them fluttering about in your garden too.
Well I'm off to create more fun things to enjoy, so until next time, Peace, Love, and Butterflies✌🏼💝🦋🦋
