Thursday, May 31, 2012

this or that thursday: monarch chrysalis

Remember the caterpillars from last week? They are no more. They have each turned into a chrysalis. The first two are hanging underneath a brick window ledge and the third is happily becoming a butterfly inside his own little home.


First they hung in a J position for a day.

Then the chrysalis started to form, and I mean it happened fast! About an hour after I checked and saw the caterpillar still in a J, I went back and found the partially formed chrysalis.

And just a little while later, they looked like this. I think they're such a lovely shade of green.


Their chrysalides eventually became solid green with a touch of beautiful gold accents. They haven't changed much in the last week.


This is #1...


and #2...


and #3 tucked away in the bug habitat.

The chrysalides are exquisite just like the monarch butterflies they will become. They look as if someone painted them with a tiny strip and a few dots of pure gold. Here's a closer look.

I'm checking on them all throughout each day for changes in hopes that I won't miss #1 and #2 flying away. At least I will have #3 if I miss the other two. It should be any day now!

**Update -- I can totally see the monarch's wing through the chrysalis this morning so it looks like today will be the day! I'm posting iphone pics on my instagram feed in real time (username is debduty). I'll post an update on my blog  next week!





Time to link up again! There are just a few rules:

  • submit the url of your blog post, not your home page
  • link up a photo that was taken by you
  • include a link back to my blog in your post (you can use the button or a text link if you prefer)
  • visit a few other blogs and leave some comment love 
Okay, now let's see what you've been shooting!
Pin It
Labels: , , , ,

49 comments:

  1. 4 Lettre WordsMay 31, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    Wow...everything about them is beautiful, huh!?

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 6:23 AM

    They are so incredibly beautiful, aren't they? Your pictures are gorgeous! I can't wait to see the butterflies!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pieni LintuMay 31, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    That's so cool - I'm looking for to see the butterfly shots!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tamar SBMay 31, 2012 at 6:35 AM

    So exciting!!! I remember learning all about this with my class in Sept/Oct as we studied this life cycle - the monarchs are much prettier than the painted lady!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentMay 31, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    The difference between your first and second which happens in hour is amazing. Would be something to be able to sit and watch this process (speeded up).

    ReplyDelete
  6. sunnymamaMay 31, 2012 at 6:51 AM

    These are amazing pictures! So exciting too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentMay 31, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    Just checked out the process on YouTube - their outer skin splits and peels off revealing the chrysalis colours underneath - stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Linda KittmerMay 31, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    Stunning shots. Such a wonderful miracle of life.

    ReplyDelete
  9. HeatherMay 31, 2012 at 7:34 AM

    Amazing pictures Deb those are gorgeous I can't wait to see pretty butterflies.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    It's like we are looking at "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" right on your blog, Deb! ;-) Amazing shots! WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  11. pattyMay 31, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    i've really enjoyed watching this on your IG feed!! even prettier here... can't wait to see the new baby! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnnMay 31, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Fantastic photos. I grow milkweed to attract monarchs and each year am amazed at the gold-studded chrysalis. No matter my age, I never lose the awe!

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    Thanks for the close-up views of metamorphosis...
    I've seen your prior posts; this is so exciting!
    Glad you are sharing.
    And, amazing photos, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  14. carol l mckennaMay 31, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    Amazing photos and fascinating study ~ excellent post ~ thanks, namaste, ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  15. SerendipityissweetMay 31, 2012 at 8:26 AM

    Wow Deb, these are just amazing! I love the fine details and those little golden dabs of glory. What a fascinating process. Your photos are just stunning. Thank you for sharing these. I'll be sharing them with my kids ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 8:33 AM

    This is so exciting. It would be awesome to capture the moment when the butterfly comes out and stretches its wings. Can't wait to see the next photos! <3

    ReplyDelete
  17. Secret Mom ThoughtsMay 31, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    That is so awesome that you have been able to capture the process. Beautiful shots.

    ReplyDelete
  18. tinajoMay 31, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    That´s so cool, great that you managed to capture everything that happened! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. LeAnneMay 31, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    This is incredibly cool!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gina KleinworthMay 31, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Truly MIRACULOUS to watch!! WOW! Can't wait for my kids to get up so I can show them.

    ReplyDelete
  21. JeanneMay 31, 2012 at 9:23 AM

    This is such an amazing experience to share with you. how beautiful, and hope you capture the transformation!! WOW

    ReplyDelete
  22. JanetMay 31, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    amazing photographic chronicles of caterpillar to butterflyness!! I hope you catch THE moment!! another miracle of nature!

    ReplyDelete
  23. BrookeMay 31, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    VERY COOL DEB! I feel like I am watching a science experiment. You are getting some really great shots of the progress.
    I can't wait to see the finale!

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    That is so coool. It really does look like paint drops!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Honey MommyMay 31, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    Seriously cool! I can't wait to see the butterflies!

    ReplyDelete
  26. NukkeMay 31, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    That was interesting. It would be interesting to see whatkind of butterflies they are !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. A wondering starMay 31, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    Fantastic!
    Nature is miraculous.

    ReplyDelete
  28. EllieMay 31, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    Wow your shots are amazing. And how cool for you to witness this, I've never seen anything like this before. It all seems to have happened really quickly too. I can't wait to see your butterfly pictures. Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. MollyMay 31, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    These shots are awesome... you are very lucky to be getting to watch this amazing feat of nature in person.

    Mollyxxx

    ReplyDelete
  30. MelanieMay 31, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    Truly MAGNIFICENT captures, Deb! LOVE that first one. I've missed you & your beautiful photos!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. TexWisGirlMay 31, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    such an amazing transformation!

    ReplyDelete
  32. shirleyMay 31, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Amazing detail, Deb! You are right - the chrysalis is gorgeous. Who knew a little temporary house could be so adorned. I love the photos on IG, too - can't wait to see your macro shots of the guys emerging - you'll get something off your photography bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    This is incredible, Deb! thank you for sharing it!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ann On and On...May 31, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    Completely fascinating! I can't wait to see more. Nature is a beautiful thing!

    ReplyDelete
  35. LizMay 31, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    Great images Deb!! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the progress in Instagram. Isn't nature such an incredible thing to observe??!!
    Thanks for hosting and sharing the transformation of caterpillar to butterfly.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Daenel T.May 31, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    That is just so very cool. I've never seen the whole process before, slim learning a lot here.

    ReplyDelete
  37. AnonymousMay 31, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    That is so cool. I have enjoyed seeing them on instagram.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ann On and On...May 31, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    Oops. I am in there 2 times. Sorry. You can delete one if you'd like. :S

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousMay 31, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    I love Butterflys. Such miracles they become .

    ReplyDelete
  40. SusanMay 31, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    That is SO cool that you managed to capture the different stages! Can't wait to see how things go!

    ReplyDelete
  41. ReenaMay 31, 2012 at 6:57 PM

    Deb, this is spectacular ... can't wait to see them arrive!

    ReplyDelete
  42. DeannaMay 31, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    How fun for you that you have all these pics. Monarchs are just wonderful butterflies, so distinct in their markings. Beautiful captures.

    ReplyDelete
  43. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    So insanely beautiful. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  44. KimMay 31, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    These are simply beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  45. tiarastantrumsMay 31, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    how very exciting! I took the kiddos out hunting for caterpillars on milkweeds last week and we brought home a dozen. Two have died, but the rest are going strong! We just change out the milkweeds every other day. Today I picked a fresh one and it had a ton of eggs underneath a leaf!

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousJune 1, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    Wow. So exciting. Going to check your instagram feed right away! Fabulous photos as always Deb.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Desirae RJune 1, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    This is so neat that you have captured this! I have never really seen the detail like this before. So cool!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Cropped StoriesJune 1, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    These are such great shots; I can't wait to see them become butterflies!

    ReplyDelete
  49. MeaganMusingJune 1, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I'm totally thinking of The Hungry Caterpillar now! So awesome!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)