The Creatures Are Amazing

I have been amazed with the changes that happen literally overnight!

An update on the first caterpillar to turn into a chrysalis.  She is just hanging around waiting to break free and spread her wings.

Number two that was found on a hike last weekend.  The little gold dots are turning more golden.

Can you see the caterpillar at the lower that center on the right?  This is caterpillar number three.  But first, a little background research I have done.  

Monarch butterflies generally lay their eggs on the underside of a leaf.  The easiest way to find some eggs is to go to a milkweed patch.  Watch to see where the butterflies land.  When you see one that hangs around for a few days check the underside of the leaf or on the flower buds.  There is a chance you might find an egg or two.

Once you find eggs or caterpillars, bring them inside and put them in an indoor caterpillar home.  Someone told me to pick some of what they were eating and freeze the leaves until I needed them.  Make sure to leave them a water supply and clean the habitat daily because there will be lots of frass...AKA...caterpillar poop.

In about two weeks the egg will hatch and the caterpillar will be ready to pupate. 

When the Monarch caterpillar gets ready to pupate it will spin some silk and hang upside down in a J shape.  He was in a J but I bumped the table trying to get a pic.  He will stay there for about 24 hours.

Shortly before the final molt happens he will straighten out.  And within an hour or so the caterpillar will shed its exoskeleton and develop into a pupa.  

For the next few hours, the pupa will turn a jade color with little dots of gold trim.  The chrysalis will stay like this for about 2 weeks.  24 hours before the butterfly appears the chrysalis will first turn dark and then become transparent.  So before it breaks out we should be able to see the butterfly wings inside the chrysalis.  Usually, this happens in the early morning.  So you know I will be up at the butt crack of dawn checking it out.

When the butterfly emerges it will have crumpled wings and will first pump them to dry them.  There should be plenty of room for them to stretch and form their wings.  It may take a few hours for them to get ready to fly. Then we will free them in the backyard where I found the first two caterpillars.

So now we sit and wait and count down the days.

I have been amazed with the changes that happen literally overnight!

An update on the first caterpillar to turn into a chrysalis.  She is just hanging around waiting to break free and spread her wings.

Number two that was found on a hike last weekend.  The little gold dots are turning more golden.

Can you see the caterpillar at the lower that center on the right?  This is caterpillar number three.  But first, a little background research I have done.  

Monarch butterflies generally lay their eggs on the underside of a leaf.  The easiest way to find some eggs is to go to a milkweed patch.  Watch to see where the butterflies land.  When you see one that hangs around for a few days check the underside of the leaf or on the flower buds.  There is a chance you might find an egg or two.

Once you find eggs or caterpillars, bring them inside and put them in an indoor caterpillar home.  Someone told me to pick some of what they were eating and freeze the leaves until I needed them.  Make sure to leave them a water supply and clean the habitat daily because there will be lots of frass...AKA...caterpillar poop.

In about two weeks the egg will hatch and the caterpillar will be ready to pupate. 

When the Monarch caterpillar gets ready to pupate it will spin some silk and hang upside down in a J shape.  He was in a J but I bumped the table trying to get a pic.  He will stay there for about 24 hours.

Shortly before the final molt happens he will straighten out.  And within an hour or so the caterpillar will shed its exoskeleton and develop into a pupa.  

For the next few hours, the pupa will turn a jade color with little dots of gold trim.  The chrysalis will stay like this for about 2 weeks.  24 hours before the butterfly appears the chrysalis will first turn dark and then become transparent.  So before it breaks out we should be able to see the butterfly wings inside the chrysalis.  Usually, this happens in the early morning.  So you know I will be up at the butt crack of dawn checking it out.

When the butterfly emerges it will have crumpled wings and will first pump them to dry them.  There should be plenty of room for them to stretch and form their wings.  It may take a few hours for them to get ready to fly. Then we will free them in the backyard where I found the first two caterpillars.

So now we sit and wait and count down the days.