Knowledgebase

Caterpillar #808423

Asked August 28, 2022, 6:34 PM EDT

I found this lovely creature on my tomato. What kind of flying critter will it become?

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

Thank you for your question and wonderful photo. What a beautiful find! This appears to be the chrysalis of a variegated fritillary butterfly (Euptoieta claudia), a lovely orange butterfly native to our area. Below are two links: the first for more information, and the second for comparative photos of the larva, chrysalis, and adult form of the variegated fritillary butterfly.

https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2013/1/8/last-butterfly-of-the-season-variegated-fritillary-euptoieta-claudia

https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/544

I hope this is helpful.

~ Karin
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 29, 2022, 12:47 PM EDT
Thank you Karin! It is a lovely caterpillar and soon to be butterfly. 

Gloria


On Mon, Aug 29, 2022, 9:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2022, 3:50 PM EDT
You are so welcome, Gloria! I'm glad we could help.

~ Karin
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 29, 2022, 4:32 PM EDT

Loading ...