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Name: julie
Status: educator
Age: K-3
Location: NC
Country: N/A
Date: 9/16/2005
Question:
My class is doing a unit on butterflies. Right now we have three caterpillars that have hatched from eggs. One has made a chrysillus. The other two are still eating. My class wanted to know what made the caterpillar eggs stick to the leafs? Why do they not fall off when it is windy or stormy?

Replies:
"The pupae of most butterflies are attached to the substrate by the "cremaster," a few hooks at the end of the abdomen that are caught in a small pad of silk that the larva spun just before transforming. In addition the pupae of many butterflies have a "girdle" or stout strand of silk looped over the back and attached to the surface beneath, like a window washer's belt."

William H. Howe, The Butterflies of North America.

J. Elliott

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