Friday, October 22, 2010

This Wasn't Supposed To Happen!

Eeeeek! This wasn't supposed to happen! Not this late in the season!!! But, leave it up to the unpredictability of an Eastern Black Swallowtail. This lovely little girl eclosed (emerged) out of her pupa (chrysalis) seven months too early!Black Swallowtails are one of the many butterfly species that overwinter in the pupa stage, while others like those in the anglewing family hibernate as adult butterflies. Some butterflies, like Frittilaries, overwinter as caterpillars, while others also lay dormant as eggs all winter long. Amazing, huh?! I never cease to be amazed how everything is fearfully and wonderfully created, even the smallest of creatures! --LKR

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