Killer Caterpillar!
During the summer months we often have Hercules Moths and caterpillars on display. These Moths from the Saturniidae family are a local favourite as they are one of the largest moths in the world and the caterpillars are HUGE – up to 14.5 cm in length and weighing up to 45 grams (and pretty cute […]
What happens inside a pupa?
Ever wondered what happens inside a pupa? I know we have done a Fun Fact about this before but this web site has 3D scans of the changes that go on inside the pupa. It’s pretty cool, so make sure you check it out! Web site and photo courtesy of http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/14/3-d-scans-caterpillars-transforming-butterflies-metamorphosis/
Friday Fun Fact – Osmeterium
The Osmeterium is a defence mechanism that all Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars have. Swallowtails are the big butterflies like Cairns Birdwings, Orchards and Ulysses. The osmeterium is an organ above the head of the caterpillar in the first body segment. If the caterpillar feels threatened, two bright red or orange horns pop out, as well as […]