Hobbies And Interests
Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera are holometabolous creatures, having four separate and distinct developmental stages. They lay up to 600 eggs in one clutch, adhering these deposits to plant stems with a sticky secretion in aligned or clustered formations. Hatching usually occurs after a few days for most species. Some have eggs which remain dormant through winter months, hatching in the spring. When the infant caterpillar is born, the second stage of life has begun.The organism will spend the next several weeks feeding and growing as it prepares to enter into the chrysalis, or cocoon.
Habitat
Hatching caterpillars pursue a life of intense feeding. Warm temperatures hasten the growth of the organisms. The herbivorous larvae consume approximately twice their body weight daily. Species differ in nutritional requirements, seeking variant sources of greens, fruits and vegetables specific to their physiological needs and surroundings. Caterpillars molt after each growth increment. These periods of growth are called instars. Multiple instar periods occur in larvae. Humans may be tempted to eliminate the intruders from their gardens during this developmental phase, finding them invasive. However, destroying the little nibblers will diminish the benefits provided by the beautiful adults yet to evolve.
Spinning Silk
Caterpillars have hook-like extensions that are attached to the end of an abdominal appendage called the cremaster. Their purpose is to spin silk. Silk strands hold larvae onto a host plant while feeding. After their last molt, the larvae retire to suitable foliage and shroud themselves by spinning a silk chrysalis. Now attached to a leaf or stem, they weave and encase themselves within a cocoon. The interim caterpillar stage has completed and the penultimate pupae stage begun. Metamorphosis will be complete when the imago, or adult butterfly or moth, emerges from the cocoon.
Backyard Habitat
Lepidoptera communities can easily be achieved in your backyard and their life cycles viewed first hand. Caterpillars and cocoons of native species can be purchased by the home enthusiast. Creating a habitat for butterflies and moths can be done by planting vegetative meals that nurture healthy caterpillars. Additions to the backyard may include sweet herbs, vegetables, perennials, milkweed, fruit trees as well as the favorite butterfly bush. An inviting landscape can be simply achieved by adding a few shrubs. The winged population will in turn lay their eggs in an environment which could become annual breeding grounds filled with joyful anticipation.