{Day 4} Metamorphosis of a Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Recently, the children and I witnessed a lesson in transformation through the observation of the life cycle of a butterfly.

A friend brought over a chrysalis in a glass jar. We kept it in our dining room for observation. Each day we would look to see if we noticed anything different. Approximately three weeks from the time the caterpillar formed the chrysalis, it emerged as a beautiful Black Swallowtail butterfly.

This graceful butterfly is a very good friend to the flowers, being a most efficient pollen-carrier. It
haunts the gardens and sips nectar from all the blossom cups held out for its refreshment; and it
is found throughout almost all parts of the United States.
-Handbook of Nature Study, page 301

 

The kids were completely surprised to see the butterfly emerge from the chrysalis.

 

It was such a miraculous thing to witness the butterfly unfold it's wings!

 

We took the butterfly outside in the jar to release in the butterfly bush.

The butterfly hopped out of the jar and immediately enjoyed the butterfly bush. 

 

The butterfly rested on the bush for a few moments and then flew off to explore God's creation.

Have you ever raised caterpillars to observe the life cycle of a butterfly?

This post is part of a series: 31 Days of Nature Study for Young Naturalists. You can find all of the daily posts linked on the introductory page. I hope you will continue to join us for this journey through October!