Butterflies

 

      Several weeks ago, a jar of caterpillars was delivered to our classroom. Each little insect larva was less than an inch long. We observed them as they ate and ate. When they grew too big, they'd shed their skins and eat some more. 

     One day we noticed they'd stop moving. Four of them attached themselves to the lid of the jar and formed hard outer shells around their bodies. (The fifth one didn't make it. It lay dead at the bottom of the jar.)

     We observed the chrysalids, now in their pupa stage. We transferred them to the butterfly cage, and we waited.

     Then one morning a surprise was waiting for us when we arrived at school. One adult butterfly had emerged! Then another! Soon we had four Painted Lady butterflies, pumping their wings and preparing to fly.

     We fed them sugar water, but we knew we couldn't keep them for long. They needed to fly free and complete their life cycle.

So on a sunny, breezy Thursday afternoon, we took the butterflies outside and released them into the air.

Goodbye, butterflies!

Here are some pictures of our kids supporting the LSU Lady Tigers in the Final Four Basketball Game.