Early in February I start to look for signs of spring. Living in southern Florida gives me this advantage. By this time the students in the EZ Lab are looking forward to the next adventure. February is the month that the milkweed begins to bloom and suddenly the plants look like something has been chewing on them. A closer look and there are very tiny, striped caterpillars.

Over the course of a week and a half these little guys stuff themselves with the leaves from the milkweed. They become quite plump and then crawl to a high place and hang upside down in a "j formation". Then the most amazing thing happens... they shed their striped skin and become a beautiful green with gold trim chrysalis.

We count ahead 11 days and wait. Our patience is rewarded with a seemingly new creation... black and orange butterflies! After observing the butterflies for a day they are released nearby so they will come back next spring. We always plant a little new milkweed to make sure they will have lots to eat when they return.

I have added some links to this page for those who are interested in a little more detail about the life of a Monarch Butterfly. Hope you get a chance to see this creature's metamorphous up close some day for yourself!

Don't forget to stock up on milkweed!

~Ms. Coleen

P.S.: Please beware of milkweed bought commercially. The butterfly population of 2004 in our backyard was hurt by some plants that were not pesticide free. What will kill an aphid, will kill a caterpillar and then... no butterflies. Now, we are planting even more milkweed to try and be ready for next year!