Silk Spinning

Some of my friends have commented during class, that they have seen silk or web-like material in their caterpillar's cups. I never saw it until I moved my caterpillar into a bigger jar. I moved him into a jar so that he would have room to make his chrysalis and fly around once he comes out of the chrysalis. The silk threads are so fine and delicate that it difficult to see them unless you are very close. When I opened up my cup I ended up breaking a bunch of silk connections as they were attached to the top of the cup and all over the inside. My caterpillar is over an inch long now (probably close to 3.8 centimeters). His mouth parts are very clear and dark, and he has a distinct stripe pattern. Also clear to see are the bristles that cover his body. I think he will be soon working on a chrysalis as he has been in the caterpillar stage for over 12 days now.