While feeding caterpillars, we recently noticed this Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) caterpillar that did not look like all the others
The Free Dictionary defines an genetic aberration as “A deviation in the normal structure or number of chromosomes in an organism.”
Aberrations often occur in response to genetic mutation, damage to a pupa, changes in environmental factor or even bacteria and disease. Sometimes butterflies will emerge from chrysalis with a stunted wing or coloration that differs from other members of its species.
This particular caterpillar is an aberration from the normal appearance of Queen larva. Instead of three sets of fleshy tubercles, this caterpillar only had two sets, and both were stunted if compared to a standard Queen larvae. Also, the first set of tubercles was divided at the top so they looked a bit like a small set of antlers. Also, the aberrant caterpillar lacks the yellow coloring normally found in the striped bands.
We’ll be monitoring the progress of this caterpillar. Currently this Queen larvae is readying to make a chrysalis and we have set it aside from the rest of the population.
We’ll let you know soon how this caterpillar turns out.
Just wanted to know how this little guy is doing.
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