Lime Butterfly

I want to look threatening to scare predators, but not too successful  !

They say, "Knowledge enriches ..." As I read more  about butterflies,  the puzzles are falling in place.










For example, I  was always curious about  this strange form sticking to the branch  ...

I am well hidden

Can you spot me?

Now I know they were  the pupa of the Lime Butterfly.

I never get the chance to see them hatched properly.  There were quite a few of them. Now I  also know  what those caterpillars always around the lime plants will turn into eventually !   I have not taken pictures of them for they were  quite small.  As they grew older, they must be well camouflaged  for I have not seen them.  These days I try not to harm these crawly creatures unless they  turn really destructive.  Caterpillars actually look very vulnerable.

Strange that this Lime Butterfly seemed to like the variegated gardenias over the citrus plant.

The lime butterfly is really beautiful. It is strange that I do not see them more frequently .  Well it is a good thing perhaps as they are actually considered pests.... :- (  !

Reference :

1. http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2008/04/life-history-of-lime-butterfly_01.html

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_demoleus