Oh WOW!

After raising 4 Monarch caterpillars last year, and 5 so far this year, we were getting frustrated-- they always managed to do the exciting parts while we were asleep or gone.

A few hours ago I noticed that caterpillar #5, who had been hanging head down for more than a day, was quivering. I called the kidlet and we watched in amazement as he transformed from caterpillar to chrysalis in only 8 minutes!

Then I moved chrysalis #2 to where I could watch it constantly, and a few minutes ago it suddenly split open!

Pics of caterpillar to chrysalis here... they are, as dizzdvl said, "Ickgrosscool." Chrysalis to butterfly pics later, after we release the baby.

( 5 pics )

more WOW!

Six pics this time... I just couldn't cut it down any further. Rather ickygrosscool still, but gorgeous at the end at least! Apologies for the scratches, the process happened in a cheap plastic aquarium.

( First butterfly emerged! )