My Caterpillar is arching back with the front of his body off the ground and staying motionless for some time.
Is he alright?
  
Don Herbison-Evans,
( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com)
and
Stella Crossley

Yes, your Caterpillar is fine. Caterpillar skin has only a limited elasticity, so Caterpillars change their skin several times during their lives, as they grow through their instars stages. In order to break through the old skin, some arch their backs. For a few days before and after, they often appear to feel very uncomfortable. However, the discomfort seems to pass quickly, and they soon begin feeding again.

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(updated 3 January 2004)