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Low Croton or Berlandier Croton - Croton humilis is a
very abundant native throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It is the host plant for the Tropical Leafwing - Anaea
aidea.
Day-1 (8/16/2007) A Tropical Leafwing - Anaea aidea egg was
laid on Low Croton or Berlandier Croton - Croton humilis
Day-5 (8/21/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-1 the caterpillar eclosed.
Day-5 (8/21/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-1 from eclosing.
The caterpillar ate the end of a leaf down to the rib, where it created a frass chain to use as a place to rest when not feeding.
Day-8 (8/24/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-3 from eclosing.
The caterpillar has built a new frass chain.
Day-11 (8/27/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-6 from eclosing.
The caterpillar has considerably changed in appearance.
Day-11 (8/27/2007 at 1837hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-6
from eclosing. The caterpillar begins making a nest by rolling the end of a Croton leaf into a tube.
Day-11 (8/27/2007 at 1837.5 hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-6 from
eclosing. The caterpillar continues making a nest.
Day-11 (8/27/2007 at 1928hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-6 from
eclosing. The caterpillar has finished the nest.
Day-17 (9/2/2007 at 2038hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-12 from
eclosing. The caterpillar is breaking from its now dried-leaf nest.
Day-17 (9/2/2007 at 2112hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-12 from
eclosing. The caterpillar has come out of its nest.
Day-18 (9/3/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-13 from eclosing.
The caterpillar is beginning to wander around.
Day-19 (9/4/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-14 from eclosing.
The caterpillar made a "J" by curling itself into a tight circle with its head touching the underside of a leaf, very close
to where the cremaster was attached. It had also created a very loose shelter by using silk to stick together the leaves
that were hanging around the caterpillar.
Day-20 (9/5/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-15 from eclosing,
Day-1 as a chrysalis. This morning I found that the caterpillar had made a chrysalis overnight.
Day-21 (9/6/2007) from when the egg was laid, Day-16 from eclosing, Day
2 as a chrysalis.
Day-27 (9/12/2007 at 0912hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-22
from eclosing, Day 8 as a chrysalis. The chrysalis has darkened, wings are visible; emergence will be soon.
Day-27 (9/12/2007 at 1330hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-22 from
eclosing. The Tropical Leafwing - Anaea aidea emerged.
Day-27 (9/12/2007 at 1500hrs) from when the egg was laid, Day-22 from
eclosing. The Tropical Leafwing - Anaea aidea is released.
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