My orchard swallowtail butterfly has emerged!

Getting ready for work this morning I glanced at the chrysalis as I always do expecting to see no change and wow! This butterfly was hanging down from the chrysalis slowly drying out its wings and as I understand it, pumping blood into them to strengthen them after being folded up inside the tiny chrysalis.
I was expecting the chrysalis to go clear and give me some warning - gosh I would have loved to see it emerge. Silly me, I woke up at 5.30 and lay in bed for half an hour, not knowing what wonders I could be witnessing.  I had almost given up on anything happening to this one.  It  has taken about 3 weeks. 
Look at the very visible veins, its poor little heart must be pumping so fast!
 the top side of the wings are quite plain with little white spots and just a little dot of red on each wing close to the body. .
Isn't it amazing that this was all folded up inside the tiny chrysalis?  Aren't the colours and patterns totally awesome?  A light dusting of tiny white flecks, and then more definite red arches. 
Isn't God awesome? 


In more detail....
Look at the little rolled up tongue :)

 Unfortunately I had to leave for work and left with strict instructions for my hubby to continue to take photos ....... I will do another post with further updates.  Just as a teaser here is one more - blue is added!

  To be continued.
 Please respect my copyright and contact me at vemvaan@gmail.com  if you would like access to these photos.  Linking to this post is fine.



Comments

  1. FloridagirlThu Oct 14, 10:55:00 AM

    Awesome! Glad to see it was the butterfly you expected, and very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. veggiegobblerThu Oct 14, 01:07:00 PM

    Beautiful photos!

    ReplyDelete
  3. OneThu Oct 14, 07:07:00 PM

    Wow!!! Those are great shots! What wonderful timing. You could have extended your 30 mins to 45 or longer and probably missed this part.

    ReplyDelete
  4. RohrerbotFri Oct 15, 01:16:00 AM

    That is great....what a beautiful butterfly!!! Don't you hate having to run off to work when a photo opportunity is in the works?! Drives me nuts.

    ReplyDelete
  5. africanaussieFri Oct 15, 12:06:00 PM

    Thanks all,
    I am sorry I missed it climbing out of the chrysalis - that would have been the icing on the cake, but I have another chrysalis waiting...

    ReplyDelete
  6. KimberlySat Oct 16, 12:00:00 AM

    Great shots!!! So fortunate you didn't miss the whole show!!! :D This butterfly is especially beautiful...love the colors!

    ReplyDelete

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