Automeris tridens abnormal colour?

Bartmantis

Dear Actias,
Today I encountered one of my Automeris tridens that has turned to a golden/yellow colour.

What could be causing this abnormal color?
Could it be an indication of a disease or illness, or simply a mutation, or perphaps pupation?

The only colour healthy larvae are supposed to have, is green.

It is so far the only larva of the group that has turned this colour.
Regards,
Bart

Fabian.E

To me it looks like it will pupate soon, but a illness is also not impossible or maybe even an other reason(?). Does this caterpillar still eat? Or does it walk around? That are the important questions. Without knowing its behavior it isn't easy to say.

Bartmantis

Thank you for your answer Fabian.

I am not entirely sure if it is still eating, for it was in a big group and I just recently discovered it!
I have put it in quarantaine with an oak leaf so I will see if it feeds.

It does move around its enclosure, but that could also be because it is disturbed when I moved it to quarantaine.

When I touch it it will assume a defensive position (curling up to a ball)

Bartmantis

Turns out, it spun a cocoon today!
It was indeed pupation!

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