We've been watching two Monarchs emerge from their chrysalis. Makes you glad you let the Milkweed stay! And it's yet another look at the miracles of nature.
Although the caterpillars lived on the Milkweed, they moved off and found a very different pot to transform into a chrysalis. One we found on the back of a deck chair
We didn't stay watching the entire time, so we missed it breaking out, but here it is.
It hung on to the outside of the chrysalis for a bit before moving off.
And when it moved it didn't move far. This was the last we saw of it. It fluttered its wings and off it went.
The other caterpillar took itself off to a tall bean plant in the far corner of the garden. Mrs. F.G. captured a bit of the bean plant and draped it over plants on our deck so I could see it well.
Terrible focus here, but you can clearly see the wing pattern inside the chrysalis, just before the butterfly emerged.
Then it was out and hanging there while its wings dried.
Soon it was stretching out its wings to their full extent and after 10 or so stretches it lifted into the air and was gone. A fascinating process to watch!
The Monarch, a royal butterfly, even if there are others with regal names. The process, the emerging, all marvels for us to see, and then the wings drying, those colours are brilliant.Then the empty shell, left to drop to the ground and add to the soil.Nature in its finest momentrs.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, the lower Monarch is female, based on the two larger places in the black lines on her wings...like spots, or the lines have doubled up there.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you saw this all. Magic. You wonder if they can think and if so what a thrill it must be for them to fly after crawling around as a caterpillar.
ReplyDeleteThat is so great that you can do that. You got some good shots. I still am looking to find ways to get milkweed in my garden.
ReplyDeleteWow that is amazing!!! Great pictures!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic. Somebody knew what they were doing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing these emergences with me. I love seeing them! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to watch the process of the butterfly emerging and thank you for posting the photos.
ReplyDeleteSuch magnificent creatures. The chrysalis shot is amazing! Great work you two!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that something! I've honestly never seen one emerge (monarch or otherwise).
ReplyDeleteThe last three Monarchs we raised indoors went on their way yesterday, but we still have Black Swallowtail pupae in diapause and we will overwinter them to emerge next spring.
ReplyDeleteI agree — awesome to witness. ⭐️
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely incredible! Getting to see the process upclose must be fascinating. Thanks for sharing the stages
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures of an amazing process!!
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate to see that. I have never seen anything like that. You were in the right place at the right time. Monarch butterflies in our area are as scarce as hen's teeth and yet I remember just a few years ago when there were so many at times. Monarchs are definitely on the endangered species now. So sad. I hope your two Monarchs live a good long life.
ReplyDeleteHow neat! Great captures!
ReplyDeleteThey are remarkable.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures! I didn't find any this year, I checked my milkweed plants from early on. Haven't even seen a Monarch up here this summer. :(
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful, aren't they.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!! You got to see them and share with us! Thank you!
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