Finally Photographed
At last number six decided to make a chrysalis, and they decided during the day for once. I cleaned the enclosure thoroughly while I waited and I was able to capture the process.
The skin of the caterpillar starts to look thin and show green.
A concerned friend looks on as the caterpillar's skin splits.
The skin splits in the back of their head and their body contracts to shed it all.
The process is slow, and the skin inches up the body.
When the skin reaches the top of the body it will wiggle until the skin falls.
The skin after it falls.
After the skin drops, the newly formed chrysalis still wiggles, getting comfy.
And ever so slowly...
The pupa shrinks.
Later tonight it will smooth out.
And look as beautiful as the one I moved yesterday!
As for the other caterpillars, they are getting along just fine. Two more have crawled to the top of the cage and are preparing for hanging J's. The five on the plants are doing well. All seem healthy and happy. I think there will be success all season! I'm so glad that this year is going as great as it is. I love each and every adorable caterpillar and I feel like a proud Momma when they fly away as butterflies.
That's all I have today, I will write soon with more news. Be sure to follow the new Instagram @monarchmayhem to see extra photos that I don't include in the blog. Until next time :)
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