This documentary compilation shows a Western Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes coloro) butterfly caterpillar "strapping" itself in with its own silk for the pupation process, where it sheds its final skin and becomes a pupa or "chrysalis".

Unlike its eastern counterpart, the chrysalis phase of this deep-desert dwelling butterfly's life cycle can include a hibernation period (known as "diapause") which can last 7 years or more in drought conditions, so selecting a proper site is critical for survival.

The caterpillar can wander for several days searching for a suitable location which is shielded from predators, high winds, feezing winter cold, and daytime summer temperatures which can exceed 140 °F at ground level. In most cases, this species selects a rock crack or other crevice between or under large boulders to protect itself from the extreme conditions.

Next, the caterpillar must attach itself to the selected location, which can be a vertical surface or even upside-down under a rock. It begins by spinning a silken pad on the chosen surface with a small silk mound or "button" at the tail-end of the pad to which it will anchor its tail. This part of the process is already completed when filming was started for this series. Then, as shown in these scenes, it spins a silken loop around its midsection to secure the upper part of its body. The loop is attached to the surface on both sides of the caterpillar's body. It works back and forth from one side to the other, each time adding another strand to the loop which becomes noticeably thicker as 15-20 or more strands are added. The finished loop is quite thick and some of the individual strands can be seen. When finished spinning the loop, the caterpillar ducks its head under and into the loop, then works it down to the proper location on its body where it becomes captured in the folds of its skin. A couple of days later, pupation occurs as the caterpillar sheds its final skin to begin the chrysalis phase of its life cycle.

These scenes were filmed in high resolution 4K/UHD macro with a Sony FS700RH and Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q+ digital recorder. The camera angle was changed a number of times during the process to show the caterpillar's efforts in as much detail as possible.

The soundtrack is "Newton's Prizm" from the "TimeShift" CD by Technician (yours truly), album and single track available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tim... full artist discography and CDs available at HTTP://technician.jcmdi.com

Contains JCMDI video catalog #: V22337, which is a sped-up compilation of: V22314,V22315,V22316,V22317,V22318,V22319,V22320,V22321,V22322,V22323,V22324,V22325,V22326,V22327,V22328,V22329,V22330,V22331,V22332,V22333,V22334,V22336,

Note: The audio and video material contained herein is copyright 2017 JCM Digital Imaging, however, you may download this footage directly from YouTube and use it free of charge in your own non-profit/non-commercial YouTube videos, school projects, etc. The full free usage policy and YouTube copyright notice/ad info can be found here (please read before using JCMDI material): http://jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.htm... http://jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.htm...