My daughter received a "grow your own butterflies at home" kits for Christmas. Since Spring is finally springing, we sent off for the starter jar of caterpillars. I forgot to take early pictures, but the growth phase was fascinating. A tiny jar with five little critters came in the mail a few weeks ago. We followed instructions carefully. We watched as the critters turned into normal-looking caterpillars. About a week later, they formed their chrysalises. A week after, some beautiful painted lady butterflies poked their way out.
The instructions said to let them out after a week on a day of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The day came and my daughter took the butterfly cage outside to release them.
A cage fit for a butterfly
Outside, a quick unzipping meant freedom for the butterflies.
Opening the cage
The expected burst of butterflies flying off to freedom did not happen. The butterflies were a bit reluctant to leave such a nice home, so my daughter had to reach in to try and help them out.
The orange slice was a happy home. Eventually the creature got himself off the orange.
First free 'fly
The butterfly walked across the front porch to the wood chips nearby!
Crossing the barren desert
Butterfly close up
The other butterflies were fairly patient waiting to come out. Next came a butterfly sitting on the tinfoil where the orange had been.
Who's next?
Laying him outside
The next two actually walked onto my daughter's hand a flew off on a fresh breeze. The last fellow made another ground exit.
Putting the tinfoil back in to get another butterfly
Last release
The experience was a lot of fun and we will probably order another cuppa caterpillars, with the plan to document things from the beginning!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment