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Post by greenie on Sept 29, 2021 14:17:38 GMT -8
As I was preparing to pressure wash my house today I noticed about 30-40 Gulf Frit pupae attached to the side of my house.
My question is why would they not pupate on or near the foodplant (Passiflora) which is about 40+ feet from the house.
Just curious, SA
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Post by gaspipe on Sept 29, 2021 14:23:01 GMT -8
Great question. Just wondering are adults flying near you now?
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Post by greenie on Sept 29, 2021 14:27:09 GMT -8
Yes but in lower numbers than when they were at their peak about a month ago. Central Alabama
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Post by exoticimports on Sept 29, 2021 14:42:16 GMT -8
I get papilio glaucus on the side of my house occasionally.
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Post by trehopr1 on Sept 29, 2021 15:15:26 GMT -8
The conditions must be considered ideal for so many to pupate in that location.
Caterpillars are quite sensitive to ambient temperature changes. They enjoy cool shaded places even to feed. Sunlight and/or heat makes them scurry away (except for short periods).
Surprisingly, I think a great many of them do not necessarily pupate near or on the very food plant they have spent the better part of their life on.
They seek out sheltered, protected, or cool places to pupate.
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Post by trehopr1 on Sept 29, 2021 15:29:50 GMT -8
I remember well during my youth finding at least a half a dozen full instar Polyphemus larvae doing their walkabout; looking for a deal places to make cocoons.
None of them were found near the trees that I surmised they may have come from.
I wish I had that kind of time now so that I could relive my youth and find some more once again !
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