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Post by bluemoth on Sept 5, 2011 18:02:43 GMT -8
Hi every one. Just wondering if any one has gotten dark tan and brown pupa when rearing Buckeyes? The tan color is mainly on wing pads, abdomen and thorax. The dark brown (nearly black) is on head, front triangle (legs, antenna) and cremaster. I think I got some weird color mutation here. Just wondering if some one has had a Buckeye hatch from a pupa of this color? I know that Buckeye genes are quite changeable so I am excitedly waiting the emergence of the dark pupa butterflies.
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Post by starlightcriminal on Sept 6, 2011 14:46:20 GMT -8
I haven't, but in some pupae I have handled the darker ones would overwinter and the lighter eclose- a dry and wet season form. Not sure if this is common or not.
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Post by bluemoth on Sept 6, 2011 19:22:37 GMT -8
Buckeye pupa are not known to overwinter. But that sure is a good point for a color change in other species that do over winter. Also the Common Buckeye dos not have different seasonal forms. Cold or difference in day length can affect a change in pattern and color such as in a form called Rosa. My larva were all reared at the same day length and warm temperature.
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Post by bluemoth on Sept 10, 2011 7:52:02 GMT -8
Update - So one dark pupa hatched. After care full inspection I could not find anything different on the butterfly. Appears to be just a pupa color mutation.
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Post by edithellensmith on Oct 11, 2011 17:29:13 GMT -8
The color of a Buckeye pupa depends greatly upon where it pupates. Try placing some late instar larvae in a super dark area and some in a very light area and compare the two.
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Post by edithellensmith on Oct 11, 2011 17:40:44 GMT -8
I'd like to share a photo. How do I post a photo here? I was able to do so when I started a new thread, but can't find a button or link for this thread.
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Post by nomihoudai on Oct 12, 2011 1:57:52 GMT -8
If you click on the reply button on the right under the last post (reply, share, print) and do not use the "quick reply" field you will get the very same display that you get when posting a new topic and you can upload a picture just as usual.
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Post by edithellensmith on Oct 12, 2011 3:55:33 GMT -8
Thank you! Here are two Buckeye pupae, one pupated under a dark item and the other under a white item. Attachments:
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Post by bluemoth on Oct 12, 2011 13:17:20 GMT -8
That sure is a dark pupa! A lot darker than mine were. My larva were all kept at the same light level. None were darker than others. So none should have turned dark even though some did. Mine also lacked all pale markings that are normally seen on a pupa like the one on the right in the photo. Instead they had a rusty color through out with some dark brown hear and there. All visible pale markings become Rusty in three days after larva shed.
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Post by edithellensmith on Oct 13, 2011 17:11:02 GMT -8
That would be neat to see, without the light spots. In hindsight, don't we always wish we had taken photos!?!
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