Wonderful journey, from caterpillar to moth
 My
mother was very busy that day as my uncle Niki from Canada had arrived.
Since she was busy, she asked me to pick flowers to worship the Buddha.
I love to walk around the garden, so I sped off to complete my task.
However, an unusual sight greeted me when I went to the idda tree; large
green caterpillars were nibbling at the tender leaves of the idda tree.
Right away, I noticed their difference with the caterpillars I have
seen before. Their difference was that they hadn't a single hair and
their bodies looked as if they had been newly painted. Even though they
were blind, they were very sensitive.
I was wondering whether this unusual caterpillar will turn into a
giant fly or a giant butterfly.
I had a strong urge to observe this creature until it revealed its
true self. But how do I find a cocoon? I combed
|
The green caterpillar |
the entire tree to find just one cocoon, but unfortunately, I
failed. I was so interested in those big creatures that I started
observing them every day.
After three days, I was surprised to see the change; all the
caterpillars had turned brown in colour. They were still munching away
greedily at the tender idda leaves.
The next day, I was watching Narnia. Suddenly I heard my mum's scream
and ran to see why. She pointed to a caterpillar which was blackish
brown, and was wriggling along the floor.
The time had come to put my plan into action. While my mother was
screaming, I got a box and put the caterpillar into it. My grandma, who
is very interested in my work as well as nature, asked me to keep it out
of
|
Three days later, the caterpillar had turned brown |
the reach of ants. Any way, I kept some idda leaves in the box,
thinking that it will feed on them all night long.
After one hour and fifteen minutes, I peeped into the box. By that
time, it had
|
In the box with idda leaves |
grown into a cigar-shaped cocoon. The threads were so tiny and
almost invisible. The caterpillar had woven the leaves together, to
cover up the cocoon.
Before going to school, I used to peep into the box, hoping to see a
butterfly which I would be able to photograph. I didn't notice any
difference except for the change of colour in the leaves. I was worrying
over this when my mum asked me to dump it in the garbage bin!
On the fifteenth morning, as usual, I peeped into the box. Can you
guess what I saw? A fabulous moth with wet wings, waiting to greet me! I
sang for joy. All my family members rushed into my room to see what the
matter was. All were very happy. I thought I should inform all the
readers about my moth named "Commando moth" because its wings were just
like a commando's camouflage suit.
|
The cigar-like stage |
Covered with leaves |
After eight hours, the moth was ready to say goodbye to me. I opened
the window and let it fly out to the wide open world. I realised that
moths don't make beautiful cocoons as butterflies. Butterfly cocoons are
just like hanging fairy lanterns, but those of moths are like cigars.
I think observing nature is a fantastic hobby. It will develop your
patience as well. Why don't you also try this?
|
With wet wings after emerging from the cocoon |
Wings dried and ready to fly |
Gimhani Upeksha
Waduge,
Grade 7 B,
(English Medium),
Carmel Girls' Central
College, Chilaw. |
