The Senna alata attracted a lovely visitor. A quick online search reveals that it's a Mottled Emigrant, one of the commonest and most widespread species of Catopsilia in Malaya. However, it is the rarest of the three Catopsilia species in Singapore. The Mottled Emigrant feeds almost exclusively on young to middle aged Senna alata leaflets.
On 1st May 2016, a Mottled Emigrant butterfly was fluttering amongst the leaflets of the Senna alata. Upon closer inspection, I realised the little beauty was laying bullet shaped white eggs individually on leaflets. Unsure if they were eggs, I let them be. There were easily 30 eggs scattered around the cutting.
Over the next couple of days, first insta caterpillars are spotted on the leaflets. I quickly rounded up the little cuties in glass bottles, before they murder the tiny Senna alata cutting.
Interestingly, there were many new leaf shoots which grew quickly, so we had enough to feed the bunch of caterpillars.
The Mottled Emigrant caterpillar remain predominantly green until thereabouts of 4th insta, when a band of white, yellow and black appears on its side.
Not for the squeamish, but they are a rather fast growing bunch.
On the 6th-7th day, we spotted some of the first pre-pupatory larvae, curled up in preparation for pupation.
Our first pupas are spotted on Day 07. The most lovely shade of green.
Today we released our very first batch of 4 Mottled Emigrant butterflies!! They are a pale tinge of green, with beautiful black edge on their backs.
Looking forward to rearing, photographing and discovering more about these beauties.
Found comprehensive information on this lovely blog:
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