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Don | all galleries >> Galleries >> # north Australian butterflies # > White-spotted Flash exit holes
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02-Jul-2023

White-spotted Flash exit holes

Deudorix democles, Lycaenidae
Kings Plain Station, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

These are fruit of the Strychnine Tree (Strychnos lucida).
A White-spotted Flash laid an egg on the outer skin. The hatchling caterpillar bored a tiny hole into the fruit, consumed the seeds, and pupated inside the fruit. When the adult emerged from its chrysalis, it bored its way out.
As expected, when I opened one of these fruits there was an old pupal case (exuvia) inside.


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Tom Beech30-Jul-2023 10:51
Always something new to learn about Queensland from you Don, thanks
Nirvan Hope30-Jul-2023 05:17
Smart little caterpillar who knew exactly what to do!
Helen Betts29-Jul-2023 21:17
Great shot, and a very interesting narrative.
hayl29-Jul-2023 19:13
Very interesting life cycle. Thanks for sharing.
Claude Gagnon29-Jul-2023 18:12
Wow, so special way to reproduce :))
Pierre Martin29-Jul-2023 18:06
used in chinese medecine and it can be poisonous for humans, dont eat them!!!
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