The narrator found a swallowtail larva on a Japanese pepper tree in their garden. The larva, which closely resembles bird droppings, is a type of swallowtail butterfly known as "Nami Ageha" or "ordinary swallowtail" in Japanese. The larvae feed on the leaves of the Rutaceae family, particularly the Japanese pepper.
The narrator takes care of the larvae, feeding them fresh leaves of Japanese pepper every day. The larvae molt, changing from one stage to another, and the narrator observes their growth closely. After a few days, the larvae become pupae and the narrator moves them to another box for observation.
The narrator continues to observe the pupae, noting how their bodies change and eventually emerge as butterflies. The emergence process is a miraculous transformation where the butterfly uses the fluid in its abdomen to stretch its wings. After emerging, the butterfly dries and is ready to fly.
The narrator's observation and care for the swallowtail larvae, from their discovery to their eventual transformation into butterflies, is a fascinating journey into the life cycle of these beautiful insects. The narrator's attention to detail and patience in observing the larvae's growth and transformation is commendable.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
- The text is about the author's experience of raising swallowtail larvae and observing their transformation into butterflies.
- The author found six swallowtail larvae on a Japanese pepper tree in their garden on June 22, 2020.
- The author brought the larvae home and fed them with Japanese pepper leaves every day.
- The larvae molted several times and changed their color from black to green in their last instar stage.
- One of the larvae died after molting, leaving five larvae alive.
- The larvae became pupae between June 29 and July 1, 2020.
- The pupae changed their color according to their surroundings, either brown or green.
- The pupae emerged as butterflies between July 9 and July 11, 2020.
- The author released the butterflies outside and thanked them for spending time together.