Confused 4th instar A.ilia larvae, pupating!

Over the last couple of days I have just witnessed a confused 4th instar A.ilia larvae position itself in the characteristic 'head down' posture and subsequently attempt to pupate. The outcome of the shedding transformation is nothing other than fascinating, presenting with a mutant specimen which is half larvae, half butterfly. The dorsal surface of the specimen is certainly more reminiscent of the pupae/butterfly, whilst the ventral surface is certain more characteristic of the larvae. The head and thorax sections are particularly interesting. From the larval cephalic larval horns the antennae have partially developed, whilst the larval jaws remain the butterfly mouth parts have also developed including a stunted proboscis. The larval pro-legs remain, although these have been spatially repositioned characteristic of an the adult butterfly. I think we could safely say that the homeobox genes in this particular specimen have certainly become rather mixed up! I have attached some images for those that are interested. Has anybody else had experience with such a 'confused' specimen?


Mark