Monarch Caterpillar (preparing to pupate)

Description:

While many of the caterpillars we observed chose natural settings to pupate, this one chose the sheltered corner of the garage door frame. Here you can see it has spun its silk pad, and is now hanging from it in a "J" shape, preparing for its last molt, from which the chrysalis will appear. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to stay and watch and take pictures as I had to be at work, but I did get this shot near the beginning of the process.

Habitat:

Habitat: Many open habitats including fields, meadows, weedy areas, marshes, and roadsides. Range: Southern Canada south through all of the United States, Central America, and most of South America. Also present in Australia, Hawaii, and other Pacific Islands.

Notes:

Spotted on a garage doorway near a backyard flower garden in Kennesaw, GA