Orange Tip Progress III

Still growing, now 32mm.long, & I think it's nearing the size/time for it to be ready for the pupa/ chrysalis stage.
I've put a slim twig near so it can transfer from the garlic mustard that's been its home for a while now, it hatched from the egg on 21st. April.
Apparently, they very rarely pupate on the food plant, "knowing" that the stem will die down after summer. So they search for a woody stem that will support them 'til next spring when they finally become adult butterflies!
Anyway, here's the latest:





Detail of its head:





Thanks for looking & showing an interest,

Roger.

I wait with bated breath

I mentioned your project to an expert friend. Your little friend is about the size he said it should reach before pupating. He also said that having hatched in April, it will probably become a butterfly this year - so you might get a second generation before Christmas .

Another set of good pictures, too!

Steve

Thanks for the info.,Lubbyman.
I had seen that there is, sometimes, an extra brood in the year, but it didn't say what the parameters were for this to happen.
A combination of size/day-length, perhaps, indicating there's enough time to become an adult & breed in the same year....?

Both interesting & exciting!!

Thanks again,

Roger.

It's something only it's mother could love ..... or a blackbird .....

Super shot that first one... reminds me almost of a slinky... extraordinary physicality...

Best

Thanks, All!

Language, Gareth!!
Don't you dare use the "B" word on this post!!!!

Getting close, I would think.
I'll let you know what's happening as soon as........

Roger.

Looking forward to the next installment !

Fifth instar now, Roger: 8-9 days further munching before, in the wild, migration and pupation (usually over winter).

An extraordinary sequence which, when completed, deserves wider distribution (local recorder; Butterfly Conservation Org).

Will PM you with the relevant pages from the latest (2019) version of the "Life Cycles of British and Irish Butterflies".

Jon

Loving this documentary backed up with great images.

Great series to be following, Roger. We are sure are getting intimate with the fellow.