Date: 08/07/2009

Number: 1

Just wanted to tell you I watched a Monarch caterpillar go through the entire process of making its chrysalis. It happened in about 5 minutes. I watched the gold beads form, and although they don't know how they do it, one thing I saw was it was exactly where a gold band on the caterpillar was, right in the very middle. So, the chemistry that occurs is at that point. It closed itself off and the very top of its head with antennae dropped off. It continued to wiggle and shrivel up, forming the beads. I could see through for just a few seconds and then it was totally green. Still wiggled just a minute or so and then it was all done, and hangs there today waiting to become a butterfly.

I released 3 butterflies today and 5 others day before yesterday. So, a total of 8 have survived, with 6 growing up on the milkweed now. The butterflies I am releasing are coming back and laying eggs. Tomorrow I must go on another milkweed hunt. I am running out again just like last year. They are voracious eaters!!!!!

The most amazing occurrence in nature captured as the caterpillar encloses itself.

At the mid-section of the caterpillar where the bright yellow band is seen...that is the band that turns into the gold beads.

Close-up of the mysterious gold beads formed by the caterpillar as it encapsulates itself.

Like a stained glass window, a newly hatched butterfly ready to be released.

Ormond Beach, FL

Latitude: 29.3 Longitude: -81.2

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.