9.03.2009

With Apologies

It's a lousy shot, taken under bad conditions with a dirty lens no less. Yet despite it all, this variegated fritillary chrysalis is still pretty cool. In your mind's eye you must replace the white with silver...

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The caterpillar feeds mainly on maypops (Passiflora) but we discovered this summer it also has a taste for flax. Here's what the caterpillar looks like...
And here's the adult. We have tons of these around the house...
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All three are pretty lousy pictures, so like I said -- with apologies ;)

8 comments:

Sally said...

Awesome! I love fritillaries but have never seen the caterpillar or the chrysalis. I think your photos of them are terrific. Thanks!

Jacqueline Donnelly said...

That's a CHRYSALIS? It looks like some fancy kind of caterpillar. Gorgeous!

And stop apologizing for the photos. They're good enough to show us how amazing this creature is in every manifestation.

Carol said...

Very nice...now I'll know what to start looking for.

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

swamp4me said...

sally,
I was amazed at the first frit chrysalis I saw -- it looked as if it were made of silver with touches of gold and even red enameling! A piece of jewelry ;)

woodswalker,
Ah, but the photo doesn't do it justice I'm afraid. I hope you get to see one in person!

carol,
It's a treat to find one. Keep your eyes open.

Anonymous said...

Lousy or not - I enjoyed your photos very much!! We don't have such colorful caterpillars here and they look so much fun! I think they're beautiful.

swamp4me said...

Aluajala,
I'm glad you like the pictures. We have some pretty wild looking caterpillars around here!

jason said...

They're great shots! This critter is beautiful from start to finish.

swamp4me said...

jason,
The chrysalis shot frustrates the life out of me! No matter what I do I can't get a good shot of it against that green paint. Now, pardon me, I must go whine and stamp my foot and pout... ;)