From Unorganized Mush to Stunning Wings – Issue #112

Hello Explorer,
This weekend I saw something that sparked a renewed appreciation for the complexity and intricate details of creation that we ever so often forget to see or think about. I saw a yellow butterfly that just emerged from its pupal casing, with wings that are still soft and damp, waiting its wings to harden. As I took some photos of it, I started spotting more pupae on the thorn tree, all at different stages of pupal development.

As I investigated all the different pupae on the tree, I could clearly tell which pupae were about to emerge, which still had a few days before emerging, and which were freshly pupated larvae. I could tell this all from the colour of the pupae. Fresh pupae are light lime green, almost white-green, and the older the pupae get the darker green they become. The most fascinating are the ones that are about to eclose (emerge from their pupal casing). As the pupal casing is translucent throughout the pupal stage, the soon to adult butterfly can be seen. The colour of the wings, abdomen, thorax, head, eyes and even antennae are visible – signalling the impeding eclosion.  This progressive colour change suggests the female lays her eggs one at a time, with some interval between each, allowing each pupa its own developmental timeline.

What got me thinking about the complexities and intricate details of creation is the fact that this butterfly was a larva, then became a pupa, and is now an adult butterfly. This might sound simple, but it requires one of the most complex developmental changes in the animal kingdom. Butterflies are Holometabolous, meaning they have complete metamorphosis. This means that the larvae or immature looks completely different than the adult and that they undergo a pupal stage to complete development into the adult form. The other side of the spectrum are Hemimetabolous or incomplete metamorphosis insects. The Hemimetabolous insects have nymphs as immatures, and they look very similar to the adult insect. Think of cockroaches. They resemble the adult from birth and with each passing nymphal stage they look more and more like the adults.

I just want to focus on the Holometabolous insects for now. The crazy part that blows my mind is that during the pupal phase, all the cells in the insect’s body become undifferentiated cells, very much like stem cells. Both stem cells and undifferentiated pupal cells have the remarkable ability to transform into any other type of cell, the only difference is the origin of stem and undifferentiated pupal cells. The resulting white cellular mush then rearranges into a completely new form and shape, each cell programmed before pupation to become a specific cell in the adult. The undifferentiated white cellular mush allows the insect to transform from a caterpillar into a butterfly with wings and all.
Have you ever thought about how complex the process of pupation is? Do you know that ants also undergo complete metamorphosis? What is the most intricate and complex natural process you have ever witnessed?

If you would like to send me a message with your answers, feel free to do so on Instagram or Twitter @abugmanslife or via email to [email protected].

Meet the Bugman!

Hi there, I'm Ludwig. As a passionate entomologist, I'm fascinated by the incredible world of insects! Did you know a termite queen can live for up to 50 years? Through this newsletter, I hope to share my experiences and ignite your curiosity about the vital role these tiny creatures play in our ecosystems. Let's Explore, Discover, and Share the wonders of the insect world together!  Next time you're outside, see if you can spot some fascinating ants or praying mantids – you might be surprised by what you discover!