Today we received our Painted Lady Butterflies! The children were very excited today about our new class “pets”!
They have started out as larvae in a small container of food.
Over the next few weeks, we will watch the larvae turn into caterpillar, create their chrysalis and emerge shortly after as butterflies!
As a class, the children brainstormed and created some thoughtful rules about how to keep our “pets” safe and how to take turns looking at them.
We will keep you posted on the progress of the larvae’s growth!
UPDATE: May 25, 2021
Our caterpillars have grown…doubling in size! They are also beginning to make their way up to the top of the container to make their chrysalis. We have noticed some fine web-like strands inside the container too!
Update: May 28
Our caterpillars are getting huge and are now living in a web-filled container. I wonder if they will create their chrysalis over the weekend?!
Update: May 31
Our little caterpillars are not so little anymore and most have already formed their chrysalis. Just waiting for the other two before we move them to their larger enclosure net. The ones in the chrysalis are a “movin and a shakin!”
Update: June 3
Our caterpillars have now all created their chrysalis! We have transferred them to their new home in the net enclosure. We expect them to be there for about 7-10 days at which time we hope they emerge as Painted Lady butterflies! Stay tuned…
Update: June 8
Some of our butterflies have emerged! We have put some oranges in the enclosure to provide a food source. The kids are enjoying watching them emerge and spread their wings! We had one that didn’t make it though… feel free to ask your child about it!
Update: June 9
All of our butterflies have emerged! We spent some time today watching the butterflies and recording our observations!
