That was awesome! We found a catepillar at the 4th instar. It soon started working on it's cocoon. That was fascinating to see it working inside the cocoon. Unfortunately it never eclosed the following spring/summer. We eventually cut it open and found that it never pupated. Watching your video gave us the insight of what should have happened. Thank you!
These are such fascinating videos to watch. I never cease to be amazed at watching the process of them moulting and the amount of apparent labour it takes. Wonderful footage and incredibly informative- i feel like butterflies tend to get all the attention!
Wonderful! I have not found any other video on the Internet where one cuts open the cocoon before pupation and observe the caterpillar pupate. Do you know whether a similar video exists for the polyphemus moth? I have dozens of them about to spin cocoons, but I'm not sure how long after they start spinning should I cut open the cocoon; I heard that the caterpillar may attempt to repair the cocoon if it's damaged early, which I want to avoid.
I have one of these in cocoon form atm in my back yard I hope it will last through winter but the plant it has picked is so tiny it might fall on the ground.
Is there a way to slow down a Cecropia Moth from emerging. I’m afraid there won’t be a mate if it hatches end of April. I brought it in from the woods not knowing what it was. I heard if they are inside they may emerge too early. Mine is real active. Still in the cocoon but I did open to check for life and out of my curiosity
