The Painted Lady caterpillars arrive!
Observing caterpillar growth. These little guys eat a LOT!
In about a week the caterpillars made their way to the top of the jar and curled into a J
By the next morning they had all turned into chrysalides!
Transferring the chrysalides to their new home
In another ten days the lovely butterflies had emerged!
Painted ladies chilling at the bottom of the butterfly cage.
Identifying Painted Lady butterflies on our butterfly chart
Getting ready to release the butterflies
Fly, fly, butterfly!
This one didn’t want to leave
Cleaning out the butterfly cage. Someone had to do it.
Field Trip
We went to the Magic Wings Butterfly House for our Spring family field trip and had a blast frolicking with butterflies from around the world!
Music
Dancing to “La Mariposa” (The Butterfly) by Colibri (see more here)
We also enjoyed this simple little song:
[children curl up on the floor and pretend to sleep]
Fuzzy caterpillars curled into a J
They turned into chrysalids and slept for many days
While they were sleeping, they dreamed that they could fly
Later when they woke up, they were butterflies!
[Children hop up and flutter about. Clap while singing the rest of the song]
Fly! Fly! Butterfly!
Fly! Fly! Butterfly!
Fly into the sky so high!
Butterfly “Works”
Take a look at our posts about Bugs and Bug themed fine motor activities for more details.
Painted Lady Life Cycle Videos
Caterpillar turn into a chrysalis
Butterfly emerges from the chrysalis
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