Monarch emerging!

Well, the big day is finally here!  When we got to school, three of our first chrysalis's had a different look to them!  To the kids, they looked 'black', but actually, they were transparent.  They looked 'black' because the colors on their wings were visible.  They could actually see some orange and white as well.

They look black, but are actually transparent.  If you look close,
you can see orange and white as well as black.

We recorded in our observation journals this new stage and anticipated the arrival of our butterflies!  By 10:45 this morning, our first butterfly emerged!  Unfortunately, we were all in All Star Reading groups, so only a few who work in our room noticed at first.

Within an hour, we noticed that a second chrysalis was beginning to crack open!  We all gathered around the butterfly net to watch!

First, the butterfly emerged from the chrysalis in a bunched up mass.  Many kids gasped because it looked like it might fall to the ground.  It clung on to the broken chrysalis safely.

It is a bit difficult to see, but this shows the butterfly
just emerging from the chrysalis!

Next, we watched as the butterfly pumped it's wings and stretched out.  The body was very fat at first, because it is engorged with blood.  But as the butterfly pumps it's wings and stretches out, the blood moves through the veins and into the wings!

Just a moment or two after emerging from the chrysalis!

Just beginning to stretch out it's wings.

Close up view of the butterfly just out of the chrysalis.

 Finally, our butterflies were totally emerged with wings stretched out!  We were fortunate to see the butterfly move his/her proboscis too, which was exciting for the kids.  They will cling to their chrysalis for today to rest.  By tomorrow, they may be fluttering around the net a bit, and hopefully the weather will be nice enough to let them go!

What a great day!  We were so very lucky to be able to view the final stage of the life cycle fully!  Most years, we miss the chance to see it happen in person!  I'm certain this is a great moment for every one of the kids that you will hear all about at home!