NEWS

Scientists wake up regal fritillary caterpillars from hibernation at ZooAmerica

Dan Rainville
drainville@eveningsun.com
(Clockwise from left) Biologist Erika McKinney, wildlife technician Marisa Macchia and biologist Kayli Thomas work in the "Butterfly Lab" at ZooAmerica on Friday, April 29, 2022, in Hershey, Pa. The three scientists, along with their colleagues, spent days waking up and hydrating thousands of regal fritillary caterpillars.
(Clockwise from left) Biologist Erika McKinney, wildlife technician Marisa Macchia and biologist Kayli Thomas work in the "Butterfly Lab" at ZooAmerica on Friday, April 29, 2022, in Hershey, Pa. The three scientists, along with their colleagues, spent days waking up and hydrating thousands of regal fritillary caterpillars.
Dan Rainville, USA Today Network - PA
Biologist Kayli Thomas uses a fine paintbrush to check which regal fritillary caterpillar larvae have survived hibernation at ZooAmerica on Friday, April 29, 2022, in Hershey, Pa. The larvae that react and curl up when touched are the survivors.
Biologist Kayli Thomas uses a fine paintbrush to check which regal fritillary caterpillar larvae have survived hibernation at ZooAmerica on Friday, April 29, 2022, in Hershey, Pa. The larvae that react and curl up when touched are the survivors.
Dan Rainville, USA Today Network - PA
Biologist Erika McKinney holds up one of the female fritillary butterflies that died shortly after laying eggs in the 2021 season.
Biologist Erika McKinney holds up one of the female fritillary butterflies that died shortly after laying eggs in the 2021 season.
Dan Rainville, USA Today Network - PA
Scientists use temperature-controlled environmental chambers to help the regal fritillary caterpillar larvae hibernate over the winter before waking them up for release. Each of these containers holds thousands of tiny caterpillars.
Scientists use temperature-controlled environmental chambers to help the regal fritillary caterpillar larvae hibernate over the winter before waking them up for release. Each of these containers holds thousands of tiny caterpillars.
Dan Rainville, USA Today Network - PA
Inside the "Butterfly Lab" at ZooAmerica, a photo frame memorializes one of the first two female regal fritillary butterflies from the project's inaugural season in 2011. The syringe at the left is the tool scientists use to hydrate the caterpillars when they are still in the larva life stage.
Inside the "Butterfly Lab" at ZooAmerica, a photo frame memorializes one of the first two female regal fritillary butterflies from the project's inaugural season in 2011. The syringe at the left is the tool scientists use to hydrate the caterpillars when they are still in the larva life stage.
Dan Rainville, USA Today Network - PA
Caterpillars and other arthropods go through several developmental stages through molting which scientists classify using a range of "instars." This regal fritillary caterpillar, for example, is a sixth-instar caterpillar, which is the final instar for this species.
Caterpillars and other arthropods go through several developmental stages through molting which scientists classify using a range of "instars." This regal fritillary caterpillar, for example, is a sixth-instar caterpillar, which is the final instar for this species.
Erika McKinney, Courtesy Of PA Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs
Two adult female regal fritillary butterflies feed on a thistle in a field at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, Pa, during the 2021 season.
Two adult female regal fritillary butterflies feed on a thistle in a field at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, Pa, during the 2021 season.
Maddie Ferner, Courtesy Of PA Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs
A tagged regal fritillary butterfly is released at a special site at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, Pa, during the 2021 season.
A tagged regal fritillary butterfly is released at a special site at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, Pa, during the 2021 season.
Kayli Thomas, Courtesy Of PA Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs