An “instar” refers to the developmental stage of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, such as butterflies, between molts. Insects have exoskeletons (hard outer coverings) that do not grow or stretch as the insect inside does. As the insect grows, it becomes too large for its exoskeleton. To accommodate this growth, the insect must shed or molt its old exoskeleton and produce a new, larger one.
For butterfly caterpillars, the period between hatching from an egg and pupating into a chrysalis involves several molts. Each growth stage between these molts is called an instar. Typically, butterfly caterpillars go through five instar stages, but this can vary depending on the species.
Milkweed Seeds
Seeds for growing plants in the Milkweed genus (Asclepias); required for all Milkweed butterflies, like the Monarch and Queen.
With each successive instar, caterpillars usually have a noticeably different appearance, often growing in size and sometimes changing in color or pattern. The process from one instar to the next involves the following steps:
500 Florida-Native Orange Coneflower Seeds Rudbeckia Fulgida for North America – Free Shipping
More than 500 seeds of Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) for all of North America. Origin: Polk Co. FL. Florida Native. Free Shipping.
1. The caterpillar eats and grows until it becomes too large for its current skin.
2. The caterpillar stops eating and finds a safe spot to begin the molting process.
3. The old exoskeleton splits, and the caterpillar wriggles out, revealing a new, softer exoskeleton underneath.
4. The new exoskeleton hardens and becomes more protective.
5. The caterpillar resumes eating and growing until it reaches the next molting point.
500 Bouquet Dill Seeds for North America 2024 – Black Swallowtail – Free Shipping
With more than one full gram in every pack, you’ll receive an astonishing number of seeds (well over 500) – enough to transform your garden into a dill paradise. Attracts Black Swallowtails. For all North America. Free shipping.
After the final instar stage, the caterpillar will seek a suitable location to pupate and form a chrysalis, transitioning to the next phase of its life cycle. With each instar representing yet another miracle, observing and learning about butterflies becomes a miraculous experience… one day at a time!
The Adventures of Johnny Butterflyseed Author Signed Copy
Save the monarchs!
Johnny Butterflyseed and his fairy friend, Raven Silverwing, embark on a mission to save the rapidly disappearing butterflies. They enlist the help of Queen Venus Goldwing and her kingdom of monarchs to educate and inspire kids to become butterfly farmers. At first, Johnny faces his own internal struggle with self-doubt and fear in his ability to make a difference, but then soon develops a mindset that allows him to not only get started, but also make progress one day at a time. Through challenge after challenge, Johnny learns that he is not alone in his mission and that there are many people who want to help. Together, Johnny, Raven, and Queen Venus educate thousands of children on becoming butterfly farmers.