This dude does not want to pupate. I think he's enjoying being a caterpillar too much. All he wants to do is eat and he's gotten enormous. pic.twitter.com/NiVKBeu67w
— stringmouse (@stringmousey) April 14, 2020
Most caterpillars immediately undergo pupation when they know it’s time. It is a process in which they must go through in order for them to become majestic butterflies. But not this one. This one enjoys being a caterpillar too much. It wants nothing but food.
“All he wants to do is eat and he’s gotten enormous,” says Twitter user stringmouse about the caterpillar.
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butterfly/moth caterpillars have a small gland on the back of their head that controles their pupation timing and rate of growth. if it's removed or damaged, they can become huge. usually they die before emerging but sometimes the resulting moth is huge. (I never tried it and I don't have a link)
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Yeah, your big buddy is probably filled with thriving parasites that don't want to give up their meal ticket.
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