I think that the threads are there to hold them firmly in place.Something like a safety-belt. I was surprised to find it while recording a life-cycle of the Common Mormon. Take a look : http://the-urban-gardener.blogspot.com/2010/10/butterfly-farmer.html Incidentally, if you're looking for scientific terms, etc., my blog is not the place to look but you may enjoy the photos. Regards, Sunita Mohan --- On Sun, 10/17/10, Kishen Das <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Kishen Das <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [ButterflyIndia] Pupa formation of common mormon To: [email protected] Date: Sunday, October 17, 2010, 11:26 PM Thats called girdle, helps the pupa to hang from the branches. Caterpillar makes these threads usually around the mid-section of the pupa using its silk secretions and hangs itself. The part of pupa where its physically attached to the branch is called cremaster. Btw caterpillar completely dissolves inside the pupa during the metamorphosis before turning into an adult butterfly and hence what you are seeing are not antennae. Antennae will be developed at a later point of time within the pupa. What you are seeing is the wiggling behavior to shed off its skin in order to prepare for the pupation. Nice pictures ! Kishen On Sun, Oct 17, 2010 at 10:13 AM, shriharsha nitsture <[email protected]> wrote: Dear all Wishing you a very happy, prosperous and healthy Dasara. Today morning I noticed one interesting thing. While pupation of common mormon, I observed two white threads projecting from the fourth segment (initially these threads were missing) of the body. You can see silken support from 5th segment, These white threads seem to change into antenna, as even in head formation, you can see these white threads. In next photo antennas are clearly visible.Is it so? Kindly forward you comments. cheers Shriharsha Nitsure, Thane -- Enjoy
