A Lesson in Metamorphosis

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The kids and I are doing a little butterfly raising these days. We currently have 11 caterpillars that are in various stages of their development and are hoping to continue watching the process until they become butterflies. Here is more about the type of butterflies we are raising along with some of our pictures.

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Swallowtails are beautiful butterflies.

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They are:

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the largest butterfly found in North America

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beautiful in color and pattern

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easy to observe because of their slow wing beat

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fascinating in each of their phases of metamorphosis

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There are over two dozen varieties in the Swallowtail family of butterflies in North America. The Black Swallowtail Butterfly is found from Southern Canada to northern South America. It is most common in the Eastern, Central and Southwestern parts of the United States. This is the butterfly that we believe our caterpillars will turn into.

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***I took all of these pictures except for this one of a black swallowtail since we don't have a butterfly yet***

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The early stages of the black swallowtail caterpillar is black and white, to mimic bird dropping to disguise themselves from predators.

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As they grow, they not only get larger but change in color and pattern.

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Black Swallowtail caterpillars eat the leaves of carrots, celery, parsley, Queen Anne's lace and dill among a few others. Boy do they eat! It seems like they munch all day!

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One interesting fact about the Swallowtail caterpillars is that they have an orange "forked gland", called the osmeterium. When in danger the osmeterium, which looks like a snake's tongue, ejects and releases a foul smell......all to repel predators! You will be able to see this unusual feature by gently pressing behind the head.

This is the last stage of the caterpillars life, before turning into a chrysalis. They turn a very faint green color (as seen above) just before their next transformation. Aren't they beautiful creatures! We are so excited for the next stages in our journey! We spend a lot of time just watching them go about their business of munching on leaves.

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Stay tuned!!!

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