From Caterpillars to Butterflies & Everything in Between

It has been quite the adventure. My students and I have been the proud caretakers of two black swallowtail caterpillars since last September.

 

This was a first for our class since we haven't had a pet until now. If you can call them pets. :)

 

The journey began in the fall when I captured the caterpillars on some parsley plants we have at home. They sure were hungry little things and devoured their food in no time.

 

In the beginning:

Jamming out to TobyMac in my car :)

 

After what felt like weeks of feeding them, they each formed a chrysalis.

Then the wait really began.

 

We made a butterfly countdown chart and predicted how many days it would take for the butterflies to emerge. Our first guesses were far too inaccurate so we had to take a second attempt.

 

Some days certain students impatiently asked if the butterflies would ever "come out." It was a good lesson in patience for all of us.

 

And then one happy morning, I gave an excited shout for the class to come see a newly emerged butterly. Oh, happy day!

Here were some of the comments I overheard in the following days:

• "I like it [butterfly.]"
• "Call him a she." // "No, he!" I had to settle that little argument. :)
• (As it was fluttering in its jar), "I think he's digging for food." [giggles]
• "It's smart. Good, good. Go up. Keep going! [climbing one side of the jar]
• "It's flapping!"

Since it emerged in early March, we fed it honey water and daffodils for a month until it was finally warm enough outside for the big day.

The students begged to have it "watch them work." I'm afraid it made for more of a distraction than anything, but they enjoyed it. I had to smile when I'd see them showing the butterfly their math papers.

 

At one point, I suggested we name our butterfly. I received some interesting suggestions:

• Tattletale [No idea where that came from]
• Juice
• Shell Rainbow

I think we finally settled on Rainbow. :)

Then came the day when it was time to let go.

One little girl told me, "He's gonna find a new home, like a tree."

After some coaxing, Rainbow  flew over to the sidewalk.

We walked over to get a closer look.

Before we knew what happened, our little guy ran over to give

Rainbow  an affectionate squeeze.

Much to our dismay, I might add. Thankfully, Rainbow  was just fine and soon

flew off with the breeze.

 

It has been a fun experience for all of us.

 

In case you're wondering, yes, we're still waiting on the arrival of the second

butterly. I'm afraid my hopes for this one are minimal, but maybe I'll be surprised

yet.

 

According to my inquisitive girl,

"It's tired. You have to tell the doctor so he can

check it, like he checks us, our heart."

 

I forsee no 'doctor' visits in the future, but we shall see and continue the wait.