Weekly Puzzler #75

I was in the Milkweed patch recently (the same one I talk about HERE!) and happened to notice this caterpillar hanging from a leaf.

Woo hoo! This was exciting as I knew it was preparing to make its chrysalis.

Having never seen this kind of caterpillar before, I consulted a wonderful caterpillar field guide I have called Caterpillars of Eastern NA by David L. Wagner. Though there were several that looked very similar, I found one that I thought matched well.  I returned to the field two days later, found the chrysalis it had made and brought the whole plant home, where I put the stem in a bottle of water. (Because at the time I was afraid the field would get mowed… but not any more!!)

Then it was time to wait. Ten days later, the chrysalis turned dark and I knew it was going to emerge! Much to my delight, it emerged while I sat watching and waiting! But guess what? It wasn’t what I thought it would be!! But actually, it was even better!

So that’s this week’s puzzler. What kind of caterpillar is this and what will it become? Click HERE to watch an amazing video of the chrysalis opening to revel a brand new butterfly... guess who…. ?

Happy weekend and I will see you again soon!