From Caterpillars to Butterflies
These caterpillars were purchased with the intent of having our class get to know them after Spring Break 2020. Unfortunately, the world was quarantined due to the Corona Virus. Our class never had the chance to meet them.
Regardless, on March 18, these tiny little caterpillars arrived at Dr. Lester's home. She kept them in a cool place out of the direct sun and just a week later they seemed huge.
Day 1: March 18 Just Little Guys
Day 6: Much Bigger. Check out the Webs
Day 8
March 26, 2020
Caterpillars were found hanging from the lid of their jars first thing in the morning. A few were moving a lot. There is one in each jar at the bottom of the enclosure. Not sure what will happen to that one.
After a few days, the chrysalises were dry enough to be moved into the enclosure. In both cups, one chrysalis had fallen to the bottom of the cup. We placed the two cups in the little net enclosure too, just in case the butterflies might still hatch.
DAY 15
April 2, 2020
Three Painted Lady Butterflies greeted us in the afternoon.
DAY 18
April 6, 2020
All 10 Painted Ladies were ready to fly off into the sky after nibbling on orange slices for a few days.
The red liquid that butterflies expel after emerging from their chrysalis is called meconium, and it's a completely natural part of the butterfly's life cycle:
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What it is: Meconium is a metabolic waste product and leftover tissue from the caterpillar that's not needed to form the butterfly. It's stored in the butterfly's intestine and expelled after it emerges.
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Why it happens: During metamorphosis, the caterpillar's tissues are broken down, reorganized, and rebuilt into the adult butterfly. The butterfly can't excrete or defecate while in the chrysalis, so all of the waste products accumulate.
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What it looks like: Meconium is sometimes mistaken for blood because it looks similar.
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What it's not: Meconium is not dangerous and it doesn't mean the butterfly is dying.
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What it's similar to: Meconium is named after the first poop that a human baby has.
