Subject: Unknown Caterpillar/Chrysallis
Geographic location of the bug: Coryell County, TX
Date: 05/04/2019
Time: 12:05 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hello! Hope you are both well.
It was quite exciting to discover this little caterpillar attaching itself to a Kiowa Pecan sapling after a rainstorm. I’ve been getting photos of the chrysallis each day, and seeing amazing changes daily. We’ve had multiple thunderstorms and high wind (hence the staking of the sapling, not my preference but necessary on this hilltop). Temps 60-80 degrees, gusty winds, high humidity. Dates May 1, 2, and 3.
If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say this may be a Checkered White?
Thank you for all of your help. We live next to a green space now, lots of butterflies and birds… among other various living things 😉
How you want your letter signed: Ellen
Hi Ellen,
How nice to hear from you. We apologize for the delay. Daniel is currently in Ohio for Mother’s Day and there is excruciatingly slow internet here. We agree with you that this is a Checkered White caterpillar (see BugGuide) and chrysalis (see BugGuide). Perhaps you will be lucky enough to witness and photograph the eclosion of the adult butterfly.
Thank you so much! I’ll continue photographing and checking the chrysalis each day. It appears to be doing well despite the ongoing rain and wind. Best wishes, and safe journey to Daniel.
