This year’s summer camp was a fun filled 6-weeks. Part of that journey included a STEM activity that focused on the amazing transformation of Monarchs. We purchased larva just like we did last year skipping the first stage of metamorphosis: egg.
The second state, larva (caterpillar), come in containers, and we unpack them into our “butterfly container”. Over the coming weeks, the children learn about the 4 stages and get to watch the larva (after molting 4 times becomes 3 inches long) climb up and attach themselves to vertical, stable, surfaces. Once they are attached the next stage, pupa, begins. The pupa (chrysalis) stage is dramatic. You wonder if anything is really alive in there. It looks like smooth deep green wax with flecks of gold. It takes ten days to two weeks for a monarch to transform from a pupating caterpillar to an adult.
After 10 days or so, the adult butterfly is nearly ready to emerge from the chrysalis which is the 4th and final stage of the life cycle. The wings are limp, and its body is plump. It rests for a while beating its wings to pump fluid into from the body into the wings. The wings take a couple hours to dry and once they’re dry they’re ready to take their place in our community garden.
The pictures you see are the senior taking the butterflies out to our milkweed area of our garden and releasing them. This is a great multigenerational activity that is fun for everybody and is a wonder to see. Check out some fascinating fact by clicking here.
