We found enough Monarch caterpillars munching on our milkweed plants around the school grounds this fall that all four second grade classes were able to bring some caterpillars into their classrooms. The students had the chance to observe the Monarch lifecycle up close and then release the adult butterflies in the Learning Gardens.
Monarch caterpillars are very picky eaters! They will only eat the leaves of milkweed plants. Luckily we have common milkweed, swamp milkweed and butterflyweed growing in the Learning Gardens. When the caterpillar hangs upside down in a "J" shape, you know it's getting ready for it's big transformation.
The chrysalis is green with gold spots. The caterpillar will spend 10-14 days like this, seemingly inactive, but there is a lot going on in there!
The adult Monarch emerges with it's wings wet and wrinkled. It must unfold them and let them dry out before it can fly.
Some of the butterflies were ready to go, but the weather was not cooperating. If the temperature is below 60 degrees, Monarchs are not able to fly. Since it was cold and raining after a few of the butterflies emerged (technically it's called eclosing), we supplied them with some nectar plants from the gardens, and the kids got to watch them a little longer.
Mrs. Pearson's class released their Monarchs in the Learning Gardens on a sunny afternoon. We hope they make it to Mexico!
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