We spent the last 2 weeks observing our Painted Ladies change from Caterpillars to Butterflies!
The Lil Divas really enjoyed watching the life cycle changes before their very own eyes - In my opinion, nothing beats seeing this up close & personal.
The Lil Divas learned so much from observing the metamorphosis first hand & no matter how many times I have watched this - it never ceases to amaze me!
So here's is our picture journey:
Our caterpillars on the very first day they arrived:
They grew quickly & within 2-3 days we could see their skin had split and they were noticably longer and fatter
Within 5 days the first of the caterpillars was getting ready to begin his changes - see it form the "J" shape below (the girls found this so cool!)
Our first chrysalis & others beginning their change
All 5 chrysalises were soon ready
We took them out of the container and put them into the butterfly (net) pavilion
Within a week we had our first butterfly - I don't know if it was due to the heat here in FL but the process was really quick for us. We had our caterpillars turn into butterflies in less than 2 weeks (for the whole process)
The next day we had our 2nd butterfly, on the 3rd day we got 2 more and the final one came a day later
Here the Painted Lady is drinking some sugar water
Here's what our Painted Ladies looked like
Release Day
Wasn't that AWESOME! :)
I ahve to say, the Lil Divas were a bit sad to see the butterflies go but they know they are meant to fly free so they can lay their eggs - giving us more beautiful butterflies!
Plus, I think it helped them to know we have ladybugs on the way to observe next as part of our Insect Theme ;)
Be sure to check out all my Caterpillar & Butterfly Themed Posts - lots of info & ideas!
You can view our Butterfly Life Cycle Craft Here - includes lots of great preschool books on the topic as well!
Some more Caterpillar/Butterfly Themed Crafts & Activities Here
Have you raised caterpillars to butterflies?
Bern