All Creatures Great & Small
Our gold fringed “lima beans” turned deep dark brown, almost black, and we knew that was either bad news, or a good sign:
We’ve learned it’s good news. 
As you can see in the image to the right, the shell gets tissue-paper thin, just before it splits and the butterfly pours out.
I am happy to report, I have upped my YouTube presence with another video. Capturing this bugger was quite a juggle. I had one camera recording until the battery died, and quickly staked another camera, switched out the battery, charge, stake a fresh camera, repeat for at least 4 hours. Whew! But, mission accomplished.
Not only was capturing the evolution successful, I am able to take credit for editing this video. I am overflowing with a sense of accomplishment on that one. I hope to post more videos this year. Maybe.
Dancing on Air
The fellow that gave us the caterpillars, a bonsai artist/gardener, referred to these new butterflies as being tame. I was amused with his choice of words: a tame butterfly. And, they are quite tame.
Tame Butterfly
Either that, or utterly bewildered. Overall, this was an enjoyable and rewarding science project. Here are a couple more pics:
virgin wings
They remained tame for just about a day. After that, they dance on the air and flit away, soaring to new horizons.
Hali, thank you for the great visual of the transformation of life from the crawling to the light bouncy butterfly. We did this when the kids were young. We would find caterpillars on milkweed plants, place them in jars where they would spin a cocoon and emerge as another life form.
You’re welcome! Other than staging the camera, it took me back to my childhood days…
Hali, this is such a professional looking video. The music you chose is just perfect (especially for the poop scene)!!
Thanks Kris! As Woody said, “After 2 weeks you’d have to poop too!”
Beautiful butterfly pictures. Very nice video, too. I wish I could spin a cloak and come out gorgeous!
Mom, you DO spin cloaks, AND, you are gorgeous. Thanks again for this comment-section help!
Wow – great video. . . must have an excellent teacher.
I have a great teacher – if only she had more patience! XOXO