Butterfly chrysalis forming

One caterpillar disappeared, but there are at last four chrysalis on my little lime tree. The areas where the leaves were chewed off are already sending out little shoots - isn't nature marvellous?

 They look for all the world like a little curled over leaf - so easy to miss unless you have been watching the transformation.
 I love the raindrop hanging from this one
 This was how they started to form the u - shape and I was wondering - does the head fall back and away from the branch once the chrysalis forms? How does the chrysalis form - does the skin just go hard?  Oh no! it is much more exciting than that - this is like dressing for a ball - a butterfly transformation ball, no less! My question was answered one morning (sorry no photos) as I saw this little one wriggling back and forth as the green sheath dropped down over her head.  It was quite an energetic episode and I just stood there transfixed for about a minute.  Like easing into a very tight evening dress (that is why I think of her as a she!)  and at the end a little bit of jelly like substance dropped onto the ground - that must have been to make it easier to slide into.  Wow, the timing to have been looking at that exact moment!  I was absolutely awed.  Speechless.  Yes, then her head part lay back - she needed a rest after all that.
I am so blessed to be able to witness this miracle yet again in my garden.

Comments

  1. I await the day - hopefully one day! - when I'll have this experience.

    I'm GREEN with envy, but sooo happy for you!

    Alice
    aka Alice's Garden Travel Buzz

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think you'll see more and more of these since the butterflies are multiplying in your garden. Waiting for your butterfly photos. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome post! Superb photographs and thoughtful commentary! Lovely!!!

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  4. Thanks for updating on the transformation, Gillian! Great shots! I'm so happy for you... how blessed you are, yet another experience again!

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