"There's a butterfly in there..."

We ordered our caterpillars from Insectlore.Derek was surprised and pleased to get them. They are so cute and little and black and fuzzy when they arrive. Delaney and Derek named each one....and somehow were able to tell them apart? Lander, Flyer, Cane, Sponge Bob, and Jordan.You can watch the video from our first experience with raising butterflies Here But like so many of my early blog science posts, my photos are horrible. It was before I got my good camera. The video is darling of Derek though. The caterpillars get big and harry quickly. In about 3 weeks, they spin their cocoons. They change and become butterflies in about 10 days. They are Painted Lady butterflies. Very short life spans. But great for watching and observing metamorphosis.
About 10 days after they spun their cocoons, Jeff announced at breakfast: "Hey, there's a butterfly in there..." Derek and Clint jumped from their stools to see the first butterfly that had emerged. That day, the rest also made their appearance in their new bodies. We put flowers sprinkled with honey water in the bottom of their house, along with some orange slices. They spent the first 2 days drying their wings and sucking sugar with long black tongues. They only live for 2 weeks as butterflies, but there was no room to fly in their little house. But it has been so cold outside to let them go.
Finally we had one nice Saturday where it was almost warm. I knew the time had come for them to have to take their chance outside. Derek and Kooy said their goodbyes, and set them free near some dandelions and strawberry flowers in the front yard.
Good luck little butterflies....If you flap your wings fast enough tonight, maybe you won't freeze...