Posted by Buglady on December 12, 2002 at 16:59:49:
I have recently become a Nature Guide at our local arboretum. There are lots of milkweed-type plants in different there which are supporting Monarch larvae. Yesterday, I happened to see 5 large caterpillars on one plant. Another one was on a nearby fence. (looking for a place to pupate?) Today I returned with my camera to find all the caterpillars gone, except for the smallest one. I looked all along the surrounding fence and outbuildings, as well as some nearby low-hanging orange trees with no luck.
How far will a caterpillar travel in search of good location for its chrysalis, and does it favor a certain type of surface or a particular orientation relative to the sun, etc.
Thanks.
