This is Carl! Our first Monarch of the 2007 season, raised from a caterpillar collected
from Asclepias in our yard. Carl took 13 days to
emerge. See images of Carl as a
caterpillar and chrysalis.
8/25/2007 - Carl spent last night as a chrysalis
in this cookie jar. We had to make his regular
plastic cage available to another caterpillar
that was ready to make his "J"!
Carl spent about 3 hours letting his wings get
stiff. Luke and I kept him company on the deck.
He's finally ready to try out his wings!
Once they turn themselves over into an upright
position, you can just put your hand near them
and they walk onto you.
Luke slowly walked him out into the sun for the
first time.
Then I put my hand out, and Carl said his final
thank-you's.
He flew from my hand onto a Morning Glory for a
short while, and then up into a maple tree.
Here is Carl "before"...
Carl about half way through being a caterpillar.
They eat a *lot* more than what is shown here.
This is just for his photo!
Carl making his "J" - They hang like this before
becoming a chrysalis.
Carl the night before emerging. His chrysalis
appears to get darker, though really it's
getting clearer and his dark wings are showing
through. Once this happens, you know they will
emerge within 24 hours.
