Cocoon
Spotted today all over the tree out front.
We have no idea where they came from or what they are doing there. There are no signs of caterpillar invasion on the tree or any of its leaves, yet you’d think with at least 10-15 cocoons that I spotted, they’d surely have done some damage to the plant itself..
Strange. Unless they’ve come from somewhere else, but then why would a whole group of them eat another plant, all mass-commute to another then turn themselves into cocoons in the same place.. I don’t think Caterpillars are that social really? 
It was a muggy day today, so sitting out in the Sun trying to get the best angle for these pics was quite unpleasant - also made exposures very difficult as obviously, a cocoon hangs from the bottom of the leaf and hence, is always in shade..
Must keep an eye on them, there was one hatched there, so maybe they’re all due to enter the world as their new selves very soon.. I’d love to be around to take pics for that!
Katie said,
January 26, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
Please Please Please God let me be there when that miracle happens!! I would love to see the cocoons hatch!!!!! What a beautiful sight that would be. I am thinking tomorrow I will come around and we can periodically check up on the sleeping beauties.
You’ll be shocked to know I have never seen a cocoon before. Aren’t they beautiful?? Such lovely colours…!!! You have to show me them tomorrow babes.
I hope tomorrow and Monday will be nice days because I have two days off work! Isn’t that exciting? I am way too expensive now to be working on Public Holidays!! Haha apparently I am not worth working when I cost $50 an hour. I’d say that I can easily sell enough bread, more than $50 worth an hour!!!
Anyway I am looking forward to spending it with you!!! Like a weekend together!! I’m off to bed now my little drunken butterfly. Wish we could be together!
Night night xxxx :* (in case that isn’t a smiley…That’s a kiss!!!)
ScottyB said,
January 26, 2008 @ 11:35 pm
Well just been hunting more info.. turns out they aren’t cocoons (Moths) but chrysalis’ (Butterfly).. they are the Common Crow (Euploea core), or otherwise known as Oleander Butterfly! Awesome.
Link to fact sheet
Pics:
Chrysalis
Caterpillar
Oleander Butterfly
ScottyB said,
January 26, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Can’t believe you’ve never seen a cocoon or chrysalis before babe! I used to collect Caterpillars when I was younger.. had a big tank for them, incubated them until they cocooned and hatched as Hawks Moths! They were cool..
You’re getting old baby.. $50 an hours is crazy dollars
See you tomorrow! Night
xxx
Katie said,
January 26, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
Oh I thought cocoons were butterflies. Well I am glad they are butterflies and not moths. I am afraid I would have killed them if they were moths. Before they land in my lunch