Pupation at last

Watching the cats pupate was one of the most startling and amazing things I've ever experienced! It is sinking in how utterly "other" these creatures are. Most of their body will essentially dissolve, and their imaginal disks will kick in start growing the butterfly that will emerge in a few weeks. They are truly starting life over from practically the embryonic stage!Check out this great article on butterfly pupation

First, the cats stopped eating and began crawling around their cage. When they found a  nice, sheltered spot they attached themselves to the surface with silk and gently lowered themselves into a hanging position.

Assuming the "J position"

 Eventually I could detect the sheen of pale green under the cat's skin.

Throughout the J position, the cat convulsed and clenched its body. I can only assume that it was loosening its skin in preparation for the final molt. Shortly before the big moment, the cats front tentacles withered and went limp. 

Then, the incredible happened:

Whoo! This stuff makes me giddy :)

 The cat suddenly straightened out, and the skin behind its head began to split.

Stunning - simply stunning!! This moment alone has made all the hard work over the past few weeks well worth it. I am peering into the lives of such amazing, alien little creatures. They're common, everyday little things that most people over the age of about twelve completely ignore. I feel really blessed to be regaining, in a way, the passion for this stuff that I had when I was younger but very nearly lost as a teenager.

Embrace your inner bug geek!