Chrysalis of a Variegated Fritillary

Subject: Weird Caterpillar?
Location: Virginia
September 21, 2013 4:03 pm
Hi,
Me and my friend found this what we think is a caterpillar. I have done so much research and can not seem to figure out what is it. Please help!
Signature: Thank you, Erica

Chrysalis of a Variegated Fritillary

Hi Erica,
This looks to us like the Chrysalis of a Variegated Fritillary, Euptoieta claudia, and it should eventually produce a lovely orange and black adult Variegated Fritillary.  The chrysalis is a dormant state in the metamorphosis of a butterfly.  The mobile caterpillar feeds, and when it has reached the proper size and age, it molts into a stationary chrysalis where it rests until the adult butterfly emerges.

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Location: Virginia