Sunday, September 20, 2015

Good bye Monarch Butterflies





           As the days grow cooler and less humid, the monarch caterpillar season seems to be winding down. I don’t see any caterpillars now.  Only a few chrysalises are left.   This morning I noticed one that was clear and it was easy to see the black and orange wing markings inside.  I expected it to open today but was surprised to see a butterfly had emerged by 10:30 a.m.  It stayed hanging from the empty chrysalis for more than two hours.  I kept checking it and when it was ready, I was there to watch it fly away.  I said a little prayer for its safety.   Now there is one chrysalis left and I think it will be empty in a few days.  I'd like to think that these late summer monarchs will be among the butterflies that successfully make the migration to Mexico. 
This new chrysalis is bright green.  The skin the caterpillar shed before pupating is still visible at the top.



Just before the butterfly emerges, the chrysalis becomes clear and the wings are visible inside.



 
The newly emerged butterfly, holding to the chrysalis case,  must stretch and dry its wings before flight.

The empty case.
 
 
 
 

 

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