A Metamorphosis

A sister I visit teach told me about these butterfly kits she had ordered for her nieces for birthday presents. They were apparently a big hit. Since we are supposed to be doing preschool at home, I got a kit for Camille so we could study the caterpillars and butterflies before it got too cold to release them.

The caterpillars came in this cup with the food at the bottom. These guys grew fast!

When they are ready to pupate, they hang in J's from the ceiling. There is a little paper disc at the top of the cup. Notice that the first chrysalide fell from the top and is sitting at the bottom of the cup.

All the chrysalides

Close-up. They don't actually make cocoons, their outer layer just hardens up.

After 7-10 days the butterflies emerge. This is one just coming out. It's wings are still crumpled up.

They expel this red stuff--meconium.

Ready for release

This one hung around for pictures, most likely because he had trouble flying.

Science is beautiful!