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.
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| This new chrysalis is bright green. The skin the caterpillar shed before pupating is still visible at the top. |
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| Just before the butterfly emerges, the chrysalis becomes clear and the wings are visible inside. |
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| The newly emerged butterfly, holding to the chrysalis case, must stretch and dry its wings before flight. |
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| The empty case. |
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