Monarch Caterpillar (Danaus plexippis)

This was something that I've never seen before. This caterpillar was eating its own frass (poop) as it was pooping. It came out one end and went right in the other. The weather has been very dry and the milkweed looks awful, so this caterpillar was probably desperate for a decent meal. I moved it to a young-ish, healthy-ish looking milkweed plant after taking this photo.

Habitat: Meadow

Sorry about all the gunfire in the video. It definitely ruins the natural ambience. Hiking in NY is always an adventure.

comments (5)

Patomarazul

Lion

Such a nice finding and nice video too! :-) Posted 11 months ago, modified 11 months ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Marta :) Posted 11 months ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Gunfire from hunters? Posted 11 months ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  No, just people who like to shoot guns. Weird, I know. Welcome to America. I thought they'd eventually run out of ammo, but it went on for an hour and a half with no respite. I stayed well away from the shooting, but decided to leave anyway, just in case. Posted 11 months ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    That must be quite intimidating indeed :( Posted 11 months ago

The Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly or simply monarch is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Other common names depending on region include milkweed, common tiger, wanderer, and black veined brown. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly, and is considered an iconic pollinator species.

Info 218 3

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Christine Young