Shown above is a plastic insect cage which I have put the caterpillars in. I also included an ample supply of milkweed leaves, changed daily to provide fresh leaves , for the caterpillars to munch on. The plastic cage has air vents at the top of the cage to allow for ventilation. My purpose in collecting the caterpillars is to observe the process of metamorphosis. (to watch a caterpillar change into an adult monarch butterfly.)
The change began as the caterpillar climbed up to the top of the cage and wove a silk-like mat" to attach itself too. The caterpillar then hung itself in a "j" shape. The next step I wasn't lucky enough to observe but the caterpillar's outer covering then broke or split and the caterpillar shrugged it off, revealing a beautiful jade green casing underneath.
The soft green casing gradually will harden into a tough shell. During the next 9 to 14 days a monarch butterfly will develop from the caterpillar's body as metamorphosis takes place.
nature controlling
urges within create change
metamorphosis
At the present time I have two beautiful green chrysalis hanging in my insect cages. I shall be watching and taking pictures as this change occurs.
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The soft green casing gradually will harden into a tough shell. During the next 9 to 14 days a monarch butterfly will develop from the caterpillar's body as metamorphosis takes place.
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