I found these guys on our parsley a few weeks ago and I told them to make themselves at home. Not that they needed the invitation. I had given up on the parsley anyway because it had become bitter. So our homechooling lesson on gardening is becoming a butterfly lesson! We've examined the different sizes and stages. I think that they will turn into a chrysallis soon. The largest is over 2 inches long now.
It's an ideal set-up since I have the vegetables covered to protect from birds.
If the birds get one then we'll just have to have a lesson on food chains! :)
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| "I am NOT touching that thing!" |
It's also a chance to work on Josh's bug phobia.
"I promise that they are nice, Sweetheart!"
He actually gave it a gentle little "pat" with one finger! He didn't make contact but it's progess and I'll take it.
Liz thinks that they are cute and loves to go check on them with me.
You can sort of see them in this picture above and it will give you an idea of their size.
They are in the top right corner of the sqaure in front of Liz.
This is one of the little ones. I didn't know that caterpillars change in coloring as well as size! Even I've learned something!
Eat hearty, little guys! Our educational progess depends on you!
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14 comments:
You should buy some kind of net to put over it so that when they become buterflies they are trapped until you let them go. Very cool!
Very neat! Thanks for linking up. I adore your layout!!
What a neat learning experience! We raised painted lady butterflies last summer, and then were amazed at how many caterpillars we would spot in the yard once we became attuned to them. We planted hollyhock plants to attract them, and we ended up with several batches of butterflies. I hope some will visit my parsley this year!
My son is just like yours. I tried to get him to hold an earthworm and he wanted no part of it. When he was younger he could care less, now he doesn't want to have anything to do with them.
You may enjoy reading "Where Butterflies Grow" by Joanne Ryder in conjunction with your butterfly studies. We got the book from the Dolly Parton Imagination library a couple of months ago. What fun to have butterflies show up in your garden! We ordered our butterflies to study.
Jealous of your mature garden! ;) Just planted mine last week & we were suppose to frost last night! But when you live in the northern part of the country, that is what you have to expect. :}
Your caterpillar shots are beautiful and how exciting! My 3yo would be loving that. He is all about bugs from the time he wakes up until he goes to sleep at night. Beautiful blog you got here.
Oh my goodness. The pictures of the caterpillars are gorgeous (so are the kids pics.) Love your garden. We put fencing around our garden to keep out the rabbits but I don't know what we'll do if birds start coming in. Our garden is a bit too big.
Those caterpillar pictures are BEAUTIFUL. Happy gardening!
Your catapillers are beautiful! Good for you for embracing the "bugs". Your garden looks pretty good as well.
Wow, those are HUGE and pretty!
How fun! I look forward to seeing what kind of butterflies they become!
O Wow!! YEAH!!!! Great pictures.
Kelly
My son would not touch bugs for a long time. Then his uncle showed him that you can feed worms to chickens and ever since then he loves touch worms and other bugs.
omg those are creepy looking!!!!! I can't believe these shots - you got some AMAZING ones!
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