From Caterpillar to Butterfly

I am so excited to share our Caterpillar to Butterfly experience with you!

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