These colorful caterpillars are the larvae of the American Painted Lady butterfly. They are more black in the earlier instars, not looking too much like the ones here. These are in the 5th instar and will soon be hanging the "J" before pupating. Pupa is another name for chrysalis.
These caterpillars feed on everlastings (straw flowers) which are often grown in wildflower gardens. It is also considered a weed by some. However, we have a protected patch of everlasting growing in our lawn where I found these beauties! --LKR
These caterpillars feed on everlastings (straw flowers) which are often grown in wildflower gardens. It is also considered a weed by some. However, we have a protected patch of everlasting growing in our lawn where I found these beauties! --LKR
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