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Project Noah Nature School
Pergesa acteus
I took care of the caterpillar which was about to be smashed by the gardener and fed it in a plastic container until it pupated and yesterday it emerged to become this beautiful moth. I have already released it into the wild last night. I still have 3 more which emerged this morning and their wings are starting to unfold slowly. I have documented its metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis to adulthood. It was an experience like no other.
Wonderful series and both the caterpillars and the moths are gorgeous! Congratulations on your success.
I saw this one when you posted it. Next time, I'll try harder to stay awake... :-)
Thanks so much for sharing the update, Jolly. They are beautiful and it's great you were able to release them.
Update: The 2 caterpillars which was given to me last July 31 pupated August 3 and emerged August 18. It took them 15 days to emerge and turned out to be green hawk moths. I was a bit late to document while they were emerging. They were already out of the chrysalis when I noticed them. They were released into the wild yesterday August 19. Pictures #2 to #5 are the newly emerged moths.
After the 3 died, a neighbor came by and handed me 2 caterpillars. Instead of killing it, they decided to give it to me. I think its also a green hawk moth. Stay put folks for updates.
Sorry about the sad end of this beautiful story. You did your best! The survivor will be King of Pergasa!
Update: The last 3 moths that failed to open their wings already died. I placed them in the freezer until I can find a preservative for them for future study.
Spotted on Jul 27, 2012
Submitted on Jul 28, 2012
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