A Bakers Dozen

September 09, 2010

Friday K through second grade students got to share in a unique experience. They got to spend time in SVCA’s own butterfly palace. While the enclosure was small, it held thirteen butterflies and five students. Not bad for a four by four cube. With the late start to school this year twelve monarch caterpillars had already formed their chrysalis and were within days of emerging as butterflies. Friday morning we knew it was going to be an exciting day. As we entered the classroom twelve of the chrysalis had

already turned clear and the monarch butterflies could be seen. By lunchtime all thirteen butterflies had emerged and been tagged, ready for release. But first the kindergarten students were anxious to get an up close look to our newly hatched friends.
Mrs. Farris carefully placed all the butterflies in the enclosure and students took turns sitting inside, getting a chance to observe and invite the monarch to perch on their hands, clothes, and sometimes on their heads.

To date we have tagged and released 30 monarch butterflies with 10 more about to emerge and 14 caterpillars still eating and growing. We are also keeping a close eye on 9 monarch caterpillar eggs that we found on the milkweed vine.

All and all, it’s been a very productive first year for the SVCA Monarch butterfly way station.