Monday, June 9, 2008

Monarch Butterfly Emergence & Release

After a total of eight days in the chrysalis, our Monarch butterfly emerged early Saturday morning. It was a few days earlier than we had expected, so we didn't catch the emergence on video. We did get some video as the butterfly dried her wings in the aquarium. The Fred was intrigued by the whole process and decided to name the butterfly "Lane."

We put some watermelon on a small plate and watched "Lane" eat her first meal as a butterfly. When we woke up this morning, the kids helped me mix a bowl of sugar water to coax "Lane" out of the aquarium. We coated a net with the sugar water, and the butterfly quickly jumped on for the ride. As soon as we exited the front door, "Lane" took off like a pro, flying high above the front yard. Both kids thought that this was the most exciting part.

This will definitely be a tradition for us from now on. I have had just as much fun as the kids, and hopefully, we will be able to raise even more Monarchs next year.


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3 comments:

Unknown said...

That is the coolest. Tell Alex that aunt Julia's middle name is Layne. I feel as if a monarch has been providentially named after me!

Kelly said...

What a fun and educational idea...and it reminds us all that we can all do our part to make a positive impact on our environment.

God speed, Lane!

Jess B said...

Very cool!!