Molting Caterpillar by Leeco

Photography • Insects • posted on Oct 18, 2007

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Description

Nikon 7900 image. I still have a few leaves left on some Passion Vine plants and so I still see a few Gulf Fritillary Butterflies and caterpillars. This Gulf Fritillary caterpillar will be lucky if he gets to become a Butterfly but he has made it thru the first molting at least. However I seldom see the molted skin from caterpillars and I never came this close to actually seeing a caterpillar as it is going thru the process of molting. This little guy had just freed himself from the old skin when I noticed him. If you look at the large image, you can see (in the top shot) that his spines are almost translucent. The bottom image was taken just a few minutes after the first and the spines are starting to darken in it. Thanks to those who take the time to comment. Lee

Comments (16)

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phothomaniac

12:26AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

This is just fantastic! You make me see creatures i never even thought of!

MrsLubner

12:32AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

Another fantastic macro. Its so very interesting! Stellar shot, Lee.

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lizzibell

12:36AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

great capture...

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amlondono

12:48AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

EXCELLENT SHOT !!! . First time i see a Fritillary caterpilar . Your knowledge is so enriching ! Thanks for sharing ! Ana

cujoe_da_man

1:17AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

wow, Halloween critters don't have to be made up, they're in our backyards :P hehe, nice capture

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ysvry

2:28AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

fantastic macros.

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durleybeachbum

2:59AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

Your pictures are so exciting! Thankyou for sharing them with us.

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JeffG7BRJ

4:47AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

Another first Lee, first time for you and for me and quite a few others no doubt. Looking at this little critter in the second shot, he should get first prize at the 'Ugly Bug Ball'#;0) Fantastic detail in both shots, I have never seen the discarded husk never mind the actual molt. I will really have to open my eye's when outside. We get very few butterfly about where I live, I will have to grow some nettles in the garden, see if I can attract a few. Thanks for sharing this wonderful occurence. Bravo!!!!!

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CavalierLady

6:29AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

Wow! Great shot of an event rarely seen! Good for you!

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RobyHermida

7:59AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, fantastic!! Great macro :O) BRAVO......................... ROBY ;O)

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krakosky

9:39AM | Thu, 18 October 2007

a lot of details,great work

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Chipka

3:08PM | Thu, 18 October 2007

Fantastic capture of a well dressed little critter; I love the extravagance of some caterpillars and this pair of captures does exquisite justice to the kind of beauty that is often ignored or unseen. Great work!

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