Butterflies and Caterpillars

This year we were fortunate enough to witness the butterfly life cycle first hand.  Our class was given two caterpillars.  Our task was to feed them and watch the amazing changes that took place.  When we first got the caterpillars they were very small.  We fed them.  They ate and ATE and ATE! Then they both climbed to the top of their container and attached themselves  with silk strands.  There they rested for about two weeks.  We watched.  We waited.  And one day we noticed there was something new in the container.  How exciting!  Here is a picture of one of our butterflies.

 

       

 

Here are a few pictures of what our caterpillars and butterflies looked like.

JPG -- species photo

Papilio polyxenes, larva

 Papilio polyxenes, Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

Papilio polyxenes, pupa

Papilio polyxenes, Black Swallowtail

Here are some great sites to learn more about butterflies and caterpillars.

Caterpillar Identification Guide

Billy Bear's Butterfly page

Butterfly Calendars

All About Butterflies

 

                                         
                                                      

                                        

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