About the Atalanta

The atalanta lays its eggs on nettles. The caterpillar that hatches from the egg eats the leaves of the nettle. It also uses the leaves to make a safe hiding place. The caterpillar spins one or more leaves together with threads from its abdomen. In this way it makes a tube. During the day the caterpillar is hidden in this. at night it goes looking for food. The caterpillar regularly makes a new tube, until it is large enough to pupate and become a butterfly.