The host leaf cutting sits in a fresh aquapic in shaded mesh, misted lightly when ambient humidity falls below 40%.

The neonate eats its eggshell first, then moves to tender young host leaves. It is not handled at this size: the cuticle tears.

Appetite accelerates, and so does frass volume. Daily frass removal and a morning change of wilted foliage is the usual routine.

Most of a caterpillar's lifetime food intake happens in this stretch, on fresh chemical-free host stems replaced daily.

Pre-pupal wander phase (Girdle / Twig Sling). The silk pad is spun, and the shell takes about 48 hours to harden; an undisturbed enclosure is what that needs.

The chrysalis turns clear and wing patterns show through the chitin. Eclosion follows within 12–24 hours.

Emerges with crumpled wings and hangs downward 2–4 hours to pump hemolymph. Releases are generally done in warm sunshine above 65°F, near nectar flora.