Caterpillar - can anyone i.d. ?

[WhiteRabbit]

Does anyone know what this caterpillar wants to be when it grows up? I don't think I have seen one like this before - but then I haven't paid much attention since I was a child
I'm guessing this guy is getting ready to make a cocoon ?

[s.kallima]

I don't know what it is but it will soon turn into a chrysalis, this kind on caterpillar does not build a cocoon with silk, but the chrysalis stays hanging until the butterfly comes out. If you look at it closely, one day, close to the 'happening', you will see the colors and shapes through the envelope of the chrysalis which will become transparent...

[s.kallima]

After a quick search, it is most likely a member of the Nymphalidae family, and close relative to this species of Fritillary:
Additional Images | Butterflies and Moths of North America

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by s.kallima

I don't know what it is but it will soon turn into a chrysalis, this kind on caterpillar does not build a cocoon with silk, but the chrysalis stays hanging until the butterfly comes out. If you look at it closely, one day, close to the 'happening', you will see the colors and shapes through the envelope of the chrysalis which will become transparent...

that makes sense, as I was confused by it hanging there like that but not moving lol
thanks

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by s.kallima

After a quick search, it is most likely a member of the Nymphalidae family, and close relative to this species of Fritillary:
Additional Images | Butterflies and Moths of North America

cool! thank you so much!
I do see a caterpillar there that does look like "mine" ...
and lovely butterflies they are too!

[Izzie]

If it's munching on a passiflora, I bet you money it's a Fritillary of some sort. In your area, most likely a Gulf Fritillary. I played host to the Diana variety this summer.
State Parks Getaways - Texas Parks and Wildlife E-newsletter

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Izzie

If it's munching on a passiflora, I bet you money it's a Fritillary of some sort. In your area, most likely a Gulf Fritillary. I played host to the Diana variety this summer.
State Parks Getaways - Texas Parks and Wildlife E-newsletter

cool! thanks Izzie! It is indeed on a passionflower