3rd Instar Gallery & Molting Video

Third Instar Gallery & Molting Video

Third Instar Caterpillar

Third instar caterpillars begin resembling what we picture when we think of a monarch caterpillar. The tentacles are growing, the stripes are becoming more bold and the face capsule is more defined and may have the yellow coloration in the triangle not present in first and second instars.

Third Instar Eating Pattern

Third instars begin eating along the edges of the leaf, but may also eat in the center like first and second instar caterpillars

Third Instar Head Capsule - Yellow

Third instar caterpillars sometimes have a yellow triangle on their head capsule, sometimes it is faint and difficult to see.

Third Instar Head Capsule - White

This third instar caterpillar has a faint yellow triangle on the head capsule. Some are brighter and easier to see than this lighter triangle

Third Instar Dropped Head Capsule

This third instar is preparing to molt. Note the dropped head capsule. Prior to a molt, caterpillars become lethargic for a day or two.

(1 of 7) Third Instar Recently Molted

This third instar has recently molted. Note the pale head capsule. Once the caterpillar fills with fluid it will look like a "typical" monarch caterpillar. Go through the next several photos to see how the head and legs fill with fluid. This takes about an hour to complete.

(2 of 7) Third Instar Filling with Fluid after Molting

Note the slightly darker head capsule. You can now see the pattern beginning to form. Go to the next phots to see a darker head capsule and darker prolegs.