Does anyone know what this is going to morph into? It's sort of reddy brown in colour and 2cm long.

It was found just poking out of the ground by my garage. I've seen them before (especially when I was a kid) but have no idea what it'll be.



Thanks!

This post was last modified: 15-07-2007 11:05 AM by Caz.

Hmmmmm..............it's a chrysalis.....hmmmmmmmm........any more clues??? Anyone good on entomology???? Can I phone a friend?????
We could have a bet on it but you will have to hatch it. In fact you might have to do that just to put me out of my misery! Sorry I can't be more help..
Skippy thinks moth as most moths pupate underground.
Been on t'internet ,I am voting for something like a wireworm pupa.

This post was last modified: 15-07-2007 04:36 PM by tibbar.

A wireworm pupa - ewwww!

Well it's in a little tupperware pot in my back porch atm, so I'll see what happens and let ya know ok! just hope it doesn't escape before I've found out what it was lol!

Red Admiral for me. I always find one trapped in the garage! Will you keep it and let us know?

It would be great to know what it was, I wonder how long it will take to emerge?

Well nothings happening yet.... will let you know when it does!

Edit: Oooo! I've just found this!!!!



Looks suspiciously like mine I reckon. It's a Willow-herb Hawk Moth apparently and their chrysalis is found in a small cell in the ground

Btw, Red Admirals chrysalis's are suspended under leaves

Can't wait for it to emerge now!!!!

This post was last modified: 17-07-2007 03:09 PM by Caz.

Oh, that would be quite exciting to have one of the Hawk Moths emerge. We will truly need photos of this.

Kingfisher

I want a pic if it's a wireworm also.... but would be much better if it is a moth or butterfly

Hmmm... didn't look anything like a wireworm pupa when I googled it.

I'm sure I watched one when I was a wee lass and if I remember rightly it started twitching and wriggling when it was going to hatch.

Got no idea how long it will take, but be assured my camera's at the ready!

That picture does look very like yours, can't wait to see the pictures when it emerges, whenever that might be! I just googled Willow-herb Hawk Moth and the website I found said that they are very scarce visitors to Britain and there have only been two sightings here on record, so it seems unlikely that it is one. If it is then congratulations on finding such a rare moth!

I can safely identify that as gross.
On a more serious note, what is the creature before its a moth? Some sort of worm? Also if they were going to turn into a giant thing like that great moth, would they have to be big in size before they cocooned or would it already be in their genes regardless of size?

Alot of questions I know but it would be helpful to hear from anyone that might know. Thanks!

The creatures start as caterpillars! Yes, generally the larger the caterpillar, the larger the moth or butterfly will be.

Kingfisher

But how do they determine whether they're going to be a butterfly or caterpillar?

I think their parents determine that!

Kingfisher

Caz, has your pupa emerged yet?

Kingfisher