Larva to Pupa > Larva Hangs as a 'J'
Termed a prepupa, most mature fifth instar larvae that belong to the superfamily Nymphaloidea will silk themselves underneath a leaf or twig and form a cremaster from which the larva will then attach itself to form a 'J' before pupating.
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Arizona Sister Fifth Instar Larva Silks a Cremaster
Before a nymphalid caterpillar "forms a J" to pupate, it silks a cremaster from which it will hang as is shown by this fifth instar Adelpha eulalia caterpillar.
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Thessalia leanira wrighti Prepupa
Mt. Baldy, Los Angeles County, California. Courtesy Brian Banker.
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Lorquin's Admiral Prepupa
Photo courtesy Nicky Davis.
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Monarch Prepupae
Nicky Davis reared a boatload of monarchs in 2007 obtained from a single female who laid a lot of eggs. Here is a photo Nicky took of several prepupae.
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Monarch Prepupa
Photo Courtesy Nicky Davis.
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Queen Prepupa
<i>Danaus gilippus thersippus</i> prepupa.
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Riding Satyr Fifth Instar Prepupa
An exception to the rule: Neominois ridingsi last instar caterpillars form a prepupa in the soil.
