close iframe icon
approved icon disneymamom avatar PRO+
disneymamom
Banner

Black Swallowtail Butterfly fresh out of Chrys

I have been working with the Black Swallowtail Butterflies to help increase their population in West Coast Florida. As the eggs lay on carrot leaves in garden ...
Read more

I have been working with the Black Swallowtail Butterflies to help increase their population in West Coast Florida. As the eggs lay on carrot leaves in garden and grow it caterpillars, I put them in a secured screened cage for them to eat more carrot leaves until they are ready to go into their chrysalis (shown in this photo of two caterpillars that emerged to butterflies and the chrysalis therefore is empty). The butterfly in this photo is one that JUST emerged out of its chrysalis below it. The wings are still curled up and moist and as minutes to by it will eventually get the wings uncurled and hang upside down to dry the wings. A beautiful experience to watch. After the wings dry some, I take it out of the cage and place it on a flower that I dip in sugar water for the butterfly to get its first bit of sugar intake. It will continue to hang until the wings dry further and are strong enough to fly. Each swallowtail will lay hundreds of eggs on leaves of carrots, parsley, dill. Statistics show that one out of 100 will make it though the cycle to become a butterfly. Lizards-etc eat them before they have chance to produce further. As I put them in protected cage, it was my first time but will not be my last to do this now!! I had 13 caterpillars turn into chrysalis and so far 9 have made it to mature to release to the wild. I have 4 still hanging in the chrysalis and I watch daily. Sooo beautiful are God's creations and mystically magical to watch happen..I will post photos of this particular one and you will see in sequence how it starts to spread the wings. If interested,, I have a youtube of this butterfly as it just emerged and you can watch it unfold the wings til full spread... I enjoy nature alot and will transfer some of the photos that might work to a site where I design womens fashion, home goods, mens ties, etc.
Read less

Views

23

Likes

Awards

Peer Award
mariadel hafid el ouajjani
Outstanding Creativity
charlesdpeters
Superb Composition
CURUTCHET

Emotions

Happy
charlesdpeters

Categories


See all
It’s your time to shine! ☀️

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Already a member? Log In

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, and acknowledge you've read our Privacy Policy Notice.