Coming in from the cold

Although ocean temps have been high, with bluebottles and coconuts on our local beach, air temps have been steadily falling.
With the first frosts not far away and snow already falling on the Snowy mountains, this coming winter is shaping up to be a cold one.
The Northern Hemisphere is coming back from a particularly cold winter and it looks like our turn to rug up is not far away.
Considering the upcoming chill, I was interested to capture this Orchard Butterfly caterpillar busily munching away at my lemon tree leaves.

The last time I came across one of these guys was in Jan 2008 .
Being surrounded with vast fields we also have a minor plague of field mice at the moment.
This keeps my collection of snakes happy as their response indicates they taste better :)
Other critters have come in from the cold, such as this centipede.

Only a baby, it measured about 25cm.
The presence of a few butterflies showing that not everyone is ready to accept winter is on its way.

Orchard Butterfly

Citrus trees, due the chemistry of the plant, often have some strange creatures inhabiting them.The orchard Butterfly is no exception.

The picture, below, is that of the immature caterpillar of the species.

Looking like a bird dropping, it consumes quite a number of fresh leaves to reach maximum size before its transformation ...

As it grows, the caterpillar undergoes some changes, and looks like the next photo as it approaches its transformation.....

Below are a couple of photos of the chrysalis that it formed...

I have been awaiting the emergence of the butterfly, though it seems a little overdue.

Usually taking about 10 days, this specimen has not shown itself yet

and has been in its chrysalis state for 14 days now.

Weather and temperature play a large part in the process and, as we have had a few cold days, things may be a little delayed.

I will be keeping an eye on it and hope to have photos of the adult on this site soon.