Late in the afternoon, the caterpillar pupariates beneath a leaf to begin its transformation.

Scientists examined the puparial remains to determine the species' developmental timeline.

During pupariation, the larva contracts and secretes substances that harden into a protective puparium.

After months of feeding, the caterpillars pupariated in the hidden crevice of the tree.

After the larvae finish feeding, they will pupariate in the soil and emerge as adults weeks later.