Well I now know that my tentative ID of the caterpillar as Red Helen (Papilio helenus helenus) was correct. How? Because it has gone from 4th to 5th instar and now looks like this.
The shots are a bit wobbly as I was hand holding the camera in grotty light. Nevertheless it shows just how beautiful butterflies can be even before they reach maturity.
And just because you deserve it, here’s a sticky to keep you going.
It can get a bit boring here if you don’t like insects 🙂 So just in case, here is a rather spiffing Chinese Goshawk, my birthday bird of the day. What a SPLENDID bonus.
All downhill from here 
Your Red Helen caterpillar is Papilio polytes, sorry…
I order a birthday present like this for 22nd Sep – please note =D
Wow, really great! Dein Geburtstag war damit ja mindestens (!!) gelungen 🙂
The caterpillar looks super weird I have only seen traditional english ones before. Great hawk for your birthday, I guessing you couldn’t take it home.
No, Ben, I couldn’t take it home but maybe it will perch in the garden itself one day. That would make my day.
I’m after the fair, but I hope you had a happy birthday nevertheless. I am amazed at how many changes these insects go through for their (mostly) brief lives in maturity. I love the stillness in the pose of the Goshawk though I suppose the stick insect is even more stationary (just has less expression).
Thank you Hilary. Another year starts. Lots of new opportunities.
The caterpillar morphing photographs are stunning, Andrew, but the Chinese Goshawk is sensational. It’s as though this bird posed for you and you captured it perfectly.
It was a real bonus, Marylin. So unexpected.
That’s one handsome little fellow (the bird, not the bug) 🙂 And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Andrew and cheers to more birthday birds to come!
Thanks Angelina. The bird appreciates your compliment.
Wow that stick bug is amazing! Very cool!
Indeed. Stick insects are always fascinating, especially to kids.
Happy Birthday Andrew – did you get a camera or lens or special gismo for your birthday? Great buggy hoots especially Red Helen, what a great name.
Hope the day was all you could wish
No special gizmos, Rod. Just the company of the family and a few photos. I am easily satisfied. Thank you 😊
I love the Chinese Goshawk! I don’t see many blue birds in my neck of the woods – well, except for the Blue Jay.
Great pictures!!
It was a real treat for me too, Joanne. Thank you so much.
Adding my Happy Birthday Wishes Andrew, and many thanks for the prezzies above,… I’m staring in amazement at the patterning on the Chrysalis, Nature’s fan=ta=stic.. and a great shot of the Gos(h)hawk.. a birthday treat t’end all treats methinks. xx
Excellent photos!
Thank you Barbara. Most kind.
Happy Birthday Andrew.
The caterpillar looks like a monster … probably the same little monster that is eating all my lily leaves.
The lilies are probably being munched away by small red beetles that are a real pest species, Jenny. They have to be got rid of. Napalm the buggers.
Did you give us any WARNING of this mighty event ? – well, didja, punk ? R OT F L !!!!
And btw, AH … HAPPY BIRTHDAY, mate !!!
Thanks MR. Having a birdy buggy happy family day
No admiration for my Clint Eastwood impersonation …? 😉
I have you down more as a Lauren Bacall type, M.R. A femme fatale.
R O T F L !!!!!!!
Very handsome cat indeed, Andrew. Sticks are such odd insects. But then we are rather odd mammals, no?
I trust the day has been splendid for your birthday and topped off by that sweet treat from your local pizza palace. Many more birthdays, Andrew, and much good health.
Thanks Steve. Having an excellent day with Mrs. Ha.
Lovely series Andrew. Very impressive for hand held 😉 and the Hawk is just beautiful!
I was very pleased with the gos. Many thanks!
Wonderful Andrew. You’ve done it again. Amazing shots. Wobbly? You must be kidding. I can see the hairs on the leaves. The Chinese Goshawk looks very confident.
Ah yes, Gerard. Predators tend to be confident. Prey beware.
Oooh, these are spectacular. Slightly creepy but fascinating. The Chinese Goshawk is very striking.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Andrew. I hope you are having a fantabulous day 😀
I’ll try to mail you a goshawk Lottie. Very nice with roast potatoes.
boo hoo, can’t roast, no oven – it will have to be ‘a la plancha’….