So all those zillions of Bordered Patch caterpillars of mine suddenly up and disappeared. Gone, gone, gone. Just a total mystery.
I searched and searched for either caterpillar or chrysalis. After some time, I finally found this lone caterpillar on one of my pitiful remaining sunflowers, one pretty much decimated by all the other the now-absent munchers. I’m rooting for this little caterpillar to make it all the way through.
I did find some chrysalises around, but they seemed too tiny to be the Bordered Patch caterpillars. I have no idea how far these guys roam to find their perfect chrysalis spot, but I’m hoping that’s what happened. Otherwise, I’m casting a suspicious eye at the mockingbirds. But could they have eaten that many, leaving not a trace? Perhaps the heavy rain a couple of days ago had something to do with the caterpillars’ disappearance? Who knows. I will just be hopeful that they are resting in a nice safe spot, doing their magic to become butterflies.
Besides our lone ranger, there’s another “one.” A beautiful yellow sunflower blooms off its rather raggedy stem and leaves. It sure toughed it out after all those caterpillars tried to steal its greenery.
I found a Gulf Fritillary, brand new and still drying its wings, under a few Passionflower leaves. It’s the first Fritillary I’ve gotten to see emerge. Passionvines are so rewarding.
This flower looks like it’s sticking its tongue out at someone. But that’s no tongue on that Mexican sage… it’s a Southern Crimson Moth.
This next photo makes it look much darker than it really is — the moth is actually a very dainty pink. And dainty in size, too!
I guess time will solve the mystery of the Bordered Patch caterpillars for me. If they survived, I’m sure I’ll see them soon, fluttering about the garden.
Meredith,
Guess the cats became bird food for some staring baby birds. This happens and is a part of nature, best not to interfere.
BTW your captcha is set a little strong, three tries to leave a message
I had the same problem with the swallowtail caterpillars. I’d go out at 10 am and there’d be 5, I’d come back at 5 pm and there’d be one. I hope they went off to pupate.
Hello,
I always love to visit your blog, you took beautiful picture.
Start looking up along the edges of your brick, siding, windows, eaves, and trees. The cocoons for the Bordered Patches are fairly small, with the lower end rounded, and have little dots running down the exposed side. Mine seem to prefer 8-12 feet off the ground. I just looked and spotted 3 more headed up the wall, 2 of them smaller than many still on the plants.
Meredith, so sorry to hear that about your lost caterpillars. That tiny pink moth is so cute, I wish we had them here. 🙂
And I’ve had issues with your captcha before, too — and gave up before leaving a message. I’m on three tries already this time. I guess I am too impatient!
Hi, Meredith ~ Those are great photos! This is the first time that I have ever grown sunflowers and it has been a lot of fun watching them grow and seeing what they attract…a lot! I love the colors of yours and your header. The pink moth looks like a little bloom…I’m going to have to look “closer” at my garden…i might notice more. 🙂 Pretty post!
Just wonderful to see some butterflies – ours in the UK are in serious decline. You were lucky to get that shot of the emergent Gulf Fritillary and I do love your little Crimson moth.
Laura
First time visiting…found you through Blotanical! Lovely blog and stunning photos. I’m adding you to my blogroll and will certainly be back…Kim the inadvertent farmer
Your garden attracts the most magnificent butterflies. I love the sunflower close ups.
Thank you to everyone for your comments. I’m pretty hopeful that those caterpillars are happily becoming butterflies. Haven’t had a chance to do a better search.
I’m not sure what’s up with the captcha — I didn’t set it to do that. Is it like that all the time? I wonder if the server was having an issue — I’ve noticed that on other blogs from time to time.
I have just found your blog through Blotanical. Enjoyed the trapezium squirrel. Fabulous and patient photography as if you have slowed down nature.