Commander Butterfly (pupa)

Description:

Cryptic colouration like a dry leaf.

Habitat:

Abandoned house that is now becoming covered by weeds and even trees...In June 2018 I saw one caterpillar munching away on a leaf and it was ID-ed as a Commander butterfly caterpillar! Since then, I always glance at the leaves when I pass the house. Yesterday I saw a caterpillar...dark...almost black...shriveled and dry...hanging head down from a leaf.I thought a spider had sucked it dry with the exoskeleton left behind as a sad reminder. Then I thought maybe it had moulted and this was the exoskeleton left behind and with that consoling thought I walked past...imagine my delight (and regret at not having taken a photo) when I realized that it had been the pre-pupa stage caterpillar and today, the pupa was FULLY formed. I understand that it will take a week now for the adult to emerge. Hoping desperately I will be around to see it emerge.

Notes:

Adult: https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/10... Caterpillar: https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/16...