Indra Swallowtail Butterfly Metamorphosis Pupation Time Lapse Documentary V01713

Note: The caterpillars tied themselves to the cardboard with their own silk. Details below...
A very close-up look at the pupation process of the Indra Swallowtail (Papilio indra phyllisae) as it begins metamorphosis into an adult insect. Documentary includes time lapse of the pupation and emerging events, as well as still images of the larvae and adult butterfly.
The molting process:
Caterpillars have to molt their skin as they grow because the skin is essentially a bag which doesn't grow with the caterpillar. After molting, the new skin (which forms under the old one), can stretch a bit as the caterpillar continues to grow into it. Caterpillars of this species typically molt their skins 4 times while they grow.
Finding a spot::
When the caterpillar reaches maturity, it leaves the host plant and begins a 1 - 2 day search for a dark, secluded and cool location to pupate, typically in/under cracked/loose rock or deep in shady foliage. When a site is found, it idles there for 24 hours or so to verify the site is safe from predators, and shielded from environmental extremes both day and night. Selection of this location is critical because the pupa may remain there in diapause (hibernation) for up to 7 years before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Strapping in for the long haul:
If the site looks good, the caterpillar "straps itself in" to the spot using its own silk. It makes a light silk pad all over on the selected substrate, adds a silk "button" at the bottom of the pad and then attaches its tail end or "cremaster" to it. Next, it spins a suspension loop around its upper body, then wriggles into the finished loop. This silk spinning task usually takes 1 to 2 hours and once tied-in to it, the pre-pupa/pupa is physically stuck there until it emerges as an adult butterfly.
This video ( • V05133 Swallowtail but... ) shows these Indra Swallowtails strapping themselves in with their own silk. Additional videos of other Swallowtail caterpillars performing the same procedure in very clear detail: • Time Lapse Swallowtail... and • Swallowtail Butterfly ...
The caterpillar, (now called a "pre-pupa" at this point) rests here for 1 to 2 days as it prepares internally for pupation.
Transformation into pupa:
Finally, the pre-pupa molts its skin for the 5th and final time to become a "pupa" or "chrysalis". This last molt only takes only a few minutes, and the pupa forms into its final shape in another hour or so. A few hours later, the pupa's outer skin layer has hardened into a thin shell, which helps protect against predators and a harsh environment. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar has essentially liquefied most of its body into a gooey soup. This is the first part of the magical metamorphosis process.
Diapause (Hibernation):
Some butterfly species will diapause at this point, while others just continue development and emerge as adults. If the pupa "decides" to diapause, it will remain dormant until a certain combination of temperature and humidity cycles trigger continuation of development (called "breaking diapause"). This is the second part of metamorphosis where the organic soup inside the pupa actually reforms into a butterfly, fitting precisely into the folded-up butterfly shape of the pre-formed pupal shell.
Emerging as an adult:
Adults may only live for a month, if lucky, so it's pretty important that conditions are right when the butterfly emerges or it will miss its chance to mate when healthy host plants are available for the next generation of caterpillars to eat. Many species emerge in spring after good rainfall, however, each species will time its life cycle to coincide with the environment in which it lives. In years with low rainfall, Indra pupa may choose to wait and see how things look next spring.
Much more info, images and documentary about the Indra Swallowtail is here:
lepidoptera.jcmdi.com/b/pap/ph...
lepidoptera.jcmdi.com/b/pap/fo...
and at lepidoptera.jcmdi.com
Enjoy!
The soundtrack is "Idnarepo Sodum" from the "TimeShift" CD by Technician (yours truly), album and single track available on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/time... full artist discography and CDs available at HTTP://technician.jcmdi.com
Contains JCMDI video catalog #s: V00565,V00566,V00567,V00568,V00569,V00564
Note: The audio and video material contained herein is copyright 2019 JCM Digital Imaging, however, you may download this footage directly from KZbin and use it free of charge in your own non-profit/non-commercial KZbin videos, school projects, etc. The full free usage policy and KZbin copyright notice/ad info can be found here (please read before using JCMDI material): jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.htm... jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.htm...

[@asterosarius1550]

So I just found this 12 year old video in my recommended in 2020... Glorious

[@deadpianist7494]

same

[@SlapStyleAnims]

Man these videos were my childhood, back when butterflies were my special interest I couldn’t stop focusing on

[@jcmegabyte]

It's cool that you got enough enjoyment out of these back then to still remember them now. Thanks a bunch for watching, and the nice comment! =)

[@myhir8028]

this video brought you by *recommendation!*

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks so much for checking it out! =)

[@wal.mp4]

The fact this was recommended to me from 12 years ago.

[@charlitaslim5662]

i just realize this already 12 years ago lel

[@noahfischer3088]

All the coolest video are like ancient years old

[@samuelaraujomedeiros6682]

Why are there so many dislikes in this video? Ok, this may be a little disgusting, but what the hell were you expecting? It's a catterpillar slowly changing it's entire fucking anatomy. Nature is gross. Get over it.

[@MeF0r3v3r]

Probably because of the music

[@vitral2853]

Its quite beautiful honestly. Nature is a beautiful kind of disgusting, and thats just how it is.

[@samuelaraujomedeiros6682]

@@vitral2853 I've got to agree with you, man

[@sinistra7450]

Those are the real snowflakes lol

[@staylorstudios]

Amazing video! I have recently been trying to take care of our first group of black swallowtail caterpillars that showed up this summer in our garden and it has been a joy to see them transform from a tiny little egg to a stunning butterfly. Thank you for sharing this!

[@zenithbear1]

My idols 🥲 I remember binge watching Caterpillars on this channel. Aged like fine wine :)

[@boonboon89]

This was 12 freaking years ago

[@AgdaFingers]

They put on little seat belts to pupate...neat!

[@jcmegabyte]

That's a good analogly =) Those silken seatbelts are a matter of life and death for these butterflies. If it fails, the pupating caterpillar or later fully-formed chrysalis would likely fall to the ground and be injured and/or found by predators. It's a critical part of their life cycle that may have to last 5 years or more. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ayelet613]

Thanks so much for your time and patience - and, of course, you talent. I showed the life cycle to a class of 3- and 4-year-olds today. Their spellbound faces were priceless!

[@Kruizinby]

It's pretty mesmerizing to sit back and watch these vids JC. Thanks4sharing them :)

[@CJCroen1393]

Me, when I was a little kid: I wonder what it's like to pupate like a caterpillar. I bet the cocoon is really nice and cozy! Caterpillars, forming their cocoons: **Literally split their flesh in half and turn themselves inside-out**

[@LittleTr3voso]

Congratulations ! Your Metapod evolved into Butterfree

[@jcmegabyte]

That's great to hear you're enjoying my work and even better that it helped you with your test! Thanks for letting me know - Cheers! :-)

[@justmetay]

Thank you for filming and sharing this. Five stars. This was cool!

[@lycan10101]

This shit genuinely blows my mind, like when and how do they know they have to do this, do they know they can fly or how to right after leaving the cocoon, do they go into a stasis or sleep inside or do they feel pain from how their bodies are essentially being destroyed and reconstructed? It's insane.

[@rufutorahman147]

Nature is amazing. Similarly, how does a spider know to weave its web in perfect alignment? How does a bee know to make hexagonal shaped hives? How do birds know to make a nest? Its all written in the genetic code - our DNA. Throughout evolution, organisms developed innate abilities that they perform instinctually. Some abilities are learned after birth and some are passed on through past generation. What we see here is a product of centuries worth of evolution.

[@DenvaProbablyDraws]

Well, I actually read that insects feel no pain whatsoever, only a slight tingle, or pressure if they get hurt at all.

[@MikeSW.]

knowing what to do is called genetic memory

[@AtlasRega]

Years ago there was a swarm of these butterflies in Singapore. Every corner of it. Had 3 just casually roosting in my home with a wingspan larger than my hand.

[@jcmegabyte]

So glad you enjoyed the show! Thanks for visiting =)

[@samzoney]

Thanks for the lightning fast reply! I checked out the Pipevine Life Cycle video you mentioned. It perfectly illustrated why & how the silver rings are formed. Thanks. While on your channel page, I enjoyed so many of your other amazing Butterfly and Night Sky Time Lapse videos that I subscribed. Great work!!!!

[@kahmi4488]

Guy one: Yo who is going to make the music for this? Guy two: uh idk The random technician, who just entered the room to switch out some lights:

[@robloxdoorsfan8343]

To those that thought the person tied them in the cardboard, the caterpillar actually used its own silk to tie itself. It's rather kinky I know.

[@mav4122]

wow!

[@jcmegabyte]

My Pleasure - I do enjoy making these documentaries as much as watching them! :-)

[@SDStudiosAnimations]

i canot believe that a small channel like this is still popular

[@lambdadelta821]

What? Caterpie is evolving! Congratulations! Your caterpie evolved into Metapod!

[@xemoji3135]

Hisham Guro lol

[@mardianamanaf9376]

The skin it’s rips

[@Spleenpuncher8]

oddly satisfying thank you

[@jcmegabyte]

Glad you enjoyed - thanks for stopping by! :-)

[@troi6970]

Fantastic video. These look great in time lapse, I have seen the real thing many times (as a breeder myself) but never in time lapse. It adds to the fascination! Thanks for this!

[@reviewfreak3174]

I've been seeing the video getting recommended everyday 😀. Finally came to watch this .amazing 😍😍

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks a bunch for watching - glad you enjoyed the show!

[@reviewfreak3174]

@@jcmegabyte yss . definitely ❤️

[@jcmegabyte]

Isn't it amazing how something so wormy and inside-out looking can turn into something to different and attractive? Thanks for watching :-)

[@sopon2501]

Hi

[@sopon2501]

Butterfly

[@user-gd1wq9gk4y]

,

[@lookinforladies]

My life in a nutshell

[@CatherineSTodd]

What a fascinating video and wonderful music... thanks so much!

[@jcmegabyte]

+Catherine S. Todd I'm happy you enjoyed the show - thanks so much for watching and commenting! =)

[@CatherineSTodd]

+JCMegabyte : Looking forward to more!

[@VictorFursov]

Very interesting video. Thank you! Good luck!

[@jcmegabyte]

I'm happy you enjoyed the show =) Thanks so much for stopping by!

[@sagek7949]

beautiful!

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks for watching! =)

[@Kumichan23]

I was impressed by the mysterious video.

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@CodingWithNithish]

Lets meet again when this gets recommended after 12 years :D

[@jcmegabyte]

For each phase of a caterpillar's growth - that's exactly what happens, except for this last phase... The caterpillar does indeed form a new skin under the old one, but at this point it is changing its form into a pupa and can no longer eat. When the skin comes off, it just falls away, probably to be eaten by some other insects. Thanks for checking it out!

[@hollowmcat15]

*WHY IS THIS IN MY RECOMMENDED?!*

[@amethyst6621]

no idea

[@o.d.s.t2798]

Welcome to another episode of why is this in my recommended

[@wiggywisk]

Fascinating! I have many of these in my garden but I never seem to be around when they go through these stages. Thanks for sharing!

[@WITCHDOG]

Very cool!, another wonderful vid and tune keep up the good work.

[@357olivekitchen5]

Wow amazing

[@noyanmokimo9435]

Woa 🤩 🤗 🦋 !

[@younglightworkerschannel9008]

Incredible footage and fabulous music. You are a amazing person. I have raised and released well over 120 Monarchs but this way cool.

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks so much for visiting and the kind words! Raising Lepidoptera while observing their life cycles in great detail is an interesting and educational experience that everyone should get to see. I'm happy you enjoyed the show =) Have a great week!

[@AndreONEz]

I can't wait for that,go on with the wonderful work :P

[@user-rw2oq6xf2q]

サナギに成ったばかりはきれいな緑色なのにしばらく経つと地味な茶色に成っていますね。😅💡

[@suntzu2508]

so.. beautiful

[@zorg87]

Great vid, nice music! The images are awesome, thank you for posting it. Maybe your channel is better than national geografic :) your time lapse makes me love the planet :)

[@fulviomenconitejeda7742]

I find this very satisfying to watch

[@solcatel1020]

From the thumbnail i thought they were gigantic.

[@mu11668B]

Welcome to YOUR daily dose of -Internet- *KZbin algorithm.*

[@nodlon20]

So beautiful!! Kinda makes you think that's what happens to us humans when we die, we turn into something even more beautiful??? Love this!!

[@VictorFursov]

Thank you for interesting video story!

[@jcmegabyte]

I'm happy you enjoyed the show - thanks so much for watching and commenting! =)

[@123evilwolf]

Girls: Ugh i can't stand bugs! The boys:

[@Rampratdelta]

I wonder if this hurts... Like when they are shedding their skin and they're just like "OOOOOOOOOOH MY GOD! OH, IT HURTS OS MUCH! AHHHHHHH! WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING!"

[@mhmalhoa]

Absolutely amazing!!Congratulations for this movie.

[@jcmegabyte]

This process is always fascinating, no matter how many times I see it :-) Thanks again for visiting!

[@cyan1017]

"mom, why is my gummy worm moving."

[@altheathewolfsparkle5319]

Wow!!!!👍❤💙💚💛💜👏

[@TheresiaSwiebel]

This is wonderful!

[@jcmegabyte]

Most people never get to see this amazing feat of nature except for the occasional video or TV show - it's cool to see it in person and get to record it for others to see. Thanks for checking it out! :-)

[@turtlexd4297]

Did you strap them on to the cardboard?

[@jcmegabyte]

ExpertNathan I was sure I posted an answer to this question, but for some reason my comment doesn't seem to be here... Anyway, there's more detail in the video description, but in short, the caterpillar suspends itself with its own silk. (Links to videos where you can see this happen are in the video description). They like a dark, secluded location to do this, so I placed them in a paper bag until they were attached, then cut out the part of the paper bag they were attached to and glued them onto the cardboard for filming. =)

[@russeljohnabdah6969]

Google: DO YOU WANNA SEE A PUPA COME OUT OF ITS SHELL Me:OK

[@shablackson1724]

ewwwwwwwwwww what the FRICK

[@jcmegabyte]

Glad you enjoyed - thanks so much for visiting! :-)

[@jaschabull2365]

So trippy to see their stripes just melt off like that.

[@Toyolvski]

Now thats epic

[@MrWarlanc]

everyone on youtube now : METAPOD !!

[@ThatSongRocks]

That's pretty amazing

[@HOXHOXHOX]

thanks for this awesome video.

[@FlyingSnake]

this is what i call a transformation

[@jamiegailhilario794]

Awesome!

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks so much for visiting - I'm happy you enjoyed the show! =)

[@jcmegabyte]

The caterpillar normally molts its old skin as it grows, and a new caterpillar emerges. When it reaches maturity, it selects a location and "straps itself in" with silk for the final molt into a "pupa" or "chrysalis" (shown here), and cannot move. This is the first step of its metamorphosis into the adult insect. The pupa hardens and changes color to better match the environment, since it may remain this way for up to 7 years before the adult butterfly emerges. Interesting stuff! :-)

[@barnabbas]

if i see this videos, i would always remember of starcraft zerg hatching !! XD

[@forsethtv7190]

cool but i hate when they eat leaves in my garden

[@GuruKomputer]

nice video i hope my video can be popular like this one

[@PenanggalanMonster]

Wow that was lovely :)

[@PortraitGardens]

Very Cool!

[@asharashraf34]

WOW AMAZING

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks for watching! =)

[@Vergil21coolboi]

maaaaaan that was my favourite video since when i am age 6

[@jcmegabyte]

I'm happy that you still remember it - thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[@MrDeadSignal]

its so cool how their first form completely liquefies into goo and creates a new creature entirely, wE mUsT haRnEsS tHiS aS tEcHnoLoGy

[@dararemaja]

Amazing

[@sedintisantvilko4746]

AMAZING NATURE.amazing mind

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks so much for visiting =) Cheers!

[@SKKEarth]

Very nice

[@jcmegabyte]

I do like making these time lapse sequences just for that reason - glad you're enjoying them too! :-)

[@TyeNee]

Congratulations! Your CATERPIE has evolved into METAPOD!

[@theproblemmustbeinyourpant5910]

Over 3,000 individuals: This video displaeases me.

[@__crxs9090]

i think the youtube algorithm got us all here lol

[@Nur287]

What a jaw-dropping sight! =D Superb!

[@souljabarb]

I think im in love. that was truly beautiful thank you so much for shareing this experience.

[@eiannvilla179]

That's a weird pickle

[@frstopsubingmefornoreason6973]

It has to be really great at streching their wings

[@Unknown_creature3]

This is tooooooo nostalgic for meeeee😢 I saw these when i was 5😭😭

[@Bloodwar01]

Thats great! I have a Polyphemus Moth currently making his cocoon. He's bending the leaves about him and using his silk to hold it together. It's awesome!

[@canofbeans18]

The guy after his video ends: Now lets hang you guys.

[@kittkat95]

Beautiful

[@bintatbintut7579]

kittkat95 is not beautiful is ugly

[@kittkat95]

Bintat Bintut for u not my opinion is it now

[@jcmegabyte]

Just about anything is more watchable when you put your favorite tracks to it! =)

[@gusphraba]

Amazing. You know a lot about them.

[@immanuelweaver4522]

nature is beautiful.

[@jacobwiren8142]

Watching this while eating was a mistake...

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks for stopping by! :-)

[@sarojkumaridrawingclasses4019]

Wow amazing your work my friend

[@jcmegabyte]

Thanks so much for watching - I'm happy you enjoyed the show! =)