Hickory Horned Devils Update: Week 7

Our devils are growing, and growing, and growing! The Hickory Horned Devil larvae (Citheronia regalis) are now about 7 weeks old, and have increased in size exponentially. Many are beginning to take on the characteristic color of the final instar, with bright green bodies and aqua-colored spots. Take a look.

They're not quite done growing, but they already dwarf all the butterfly caterpillars in the lab... by a LOT. Here's a Week 7 Devil alongside a nearly full-grown monarch (Danaus plexippus) larvae.

A few of the devils are a little slower than the others, with some still retaining their brown coloration that allows them to blend perfectly with the branches of the hickory on which they are feeding.

We expect to be feeding these caterpillars for a couple more weeks, before they begin pupating and creating their cocoons. Stop by soon if you'd like to see these creatures in person!