Random Purple Hairstrak larvae question
Posted: Fri May 20, 2022 8:22 am
Hi Gang,
A pretty weird question I know, but is it known if final instar Purple Hairstreak larvae typically walk all the way along the branches and down the trunk of Oaks when ready to pupate, or just drop off from their final eating place? Energy-wise, it would seem a good idea to do the latter and they may be predisposed to fall off during their "wanderlust" period prior to pupation? The reason I ask is that there are a couple of large Oak trees which hang over a wall near my workplace... almost half of the canopy overhangs the road and I have often wondered how many caterpillars would end up on the tarmac if they just fell off. I do have a brief look as I walk past, but have never seen any. Not surprising I suppose, but if they just drop off, there could potentially be hundreds of final instar larvae in the road at certain times. If it is known that they just "let go" and take their chances, I wonder if this is likely to be at a particular time of the day. Apologies for such a random question, but it is something I have never read or heard about before. I'll get my coat![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
A pretty weird question I know, but is it known if final instar Purple Hairstreak larvae typically walk all the way along the branches and down the trunk of Oaks when ready to pupate, or just drop off from their final eating place? Energy-wise, it would seem a good idea to do the latter and they may be predisposed to fall off during their "wanderlust" period prior to pupation? The reason I ask is that there are a couple of large Oak trees which hang over a wall near my workplace... almost half of the canopy overhangs the road and I have often wondered how many caterpillars would end up on the tarmac if they just fell off. I do have a brief look as I walk past, but have never seen any. Not surprising I suppose, but if they just drop off, there could potentially be hundreds of final instar larvae in the road at certain times. If it is known that they just "let go" and take their chances, I wonder if this is likely to be at a particular time of the day. Apologies for such a random question, but it is something I have never read or heard about before. I'll get my coat
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)