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WELCOME TO: A BUTTERFLY IN TRANSFORMATION |
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Agenda: To experience the phenomona of complete metamorphosis. To continually come to a deeper realization of the wondrous world we live in which, indeed, we are a part of. |
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The transformation of a monarch butterfly from egg, caterpillar, chrysalis to butterfly is shown in detail by many different series of photos. The challenges facing the caterpillar and the marvels expressed through the legacy of creative evolutionary perfection are explored. Scroll down to find the links |
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Below are slideshow videos showing two examples of complete metamorphosis. One is a chronical of monarch butterfly detailed transformations from egg hatching, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation to butterfly emergence. The second and third videos showcase the striking changes in color observed as a cecropia moth caterpillar grows and sheds its skin. Also, a larval shed to 5th instar is seen in detail as is cocoon spinning and prepupa to pupa formation. |
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There are many secrets to behold as one peers deeply into the worlds of nature and gains an appreciation of all levels, from what is percieved as majestic to the minute. |
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Continue the journey into the wonders of a complete metamorphosis. A selection of digital photo slideshows are presented allowing students to observe, at their own pace, the marvel of an egg hatching into a caterpillar- changing into a chrysalis- emerging into a butterfly. |
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See indepth "shockwave" video picture presentations showing detail within a complete metamorphosis. Click on a link below. |
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Watch as a caterpillar is seen developing within its egg, hatches, and eats the egg shell. http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/egg_shows.html |
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See a caterpillar preparing for pupation. After a silk anchor is completed the larvae crawls forward midway, turns around, finds and securely attaches its hind claspers. Then the insect proceeds to slowly release and hang head downwards. http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/larva.html |
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A caterpillar to chrysalis transformation. The larvae sheds its skin to reveal a wet gyrating chrysalis. The pupae must transfer its hold to its cremaster and drop the old larval skin. The chrysalis gradually assumes its predestined shape and hardens into an imobile waxy pupae. http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/pupa.html |
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Chrysalis emergence as a transformed butterfly is indeed one of the wonders of nature. View a butterfly breaking free of the pupae, expanding and drying its wings. http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/adult_shows.html |
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The Cecropia metamorphosis video, as shown above, is now also available. Same charges and shipping apply or , get both for $15.00 plus $4.00 shipping. The Cecropia video is much the same quality as the Monarch movie described above.
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Here, for a study in contrast, is are photos and videos of cecropia moth growth and development. See a Hyalophora cecropia egg hatch by visiting http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/indepth.html |
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Experiance cecropia moth caterpillar growth and development. See colorful skin changes from black, orange to green and more. Witness what a caterpillar goes through in the 4rth to 5th instar shed process. http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/caterpillar.htm Watch a caterpillar as it builds a silk frame strengthened with leaves and proceeds to spin a cocoon. Watch what happens hidden within a cocoon as a cecropia pre-pupa sheds into a pupa, then slowly changes color from green to a rich deep brown. see http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/cocoon.html |
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Mini-worlds of mini-wonders await discovery in your own backyard. Don't step on it.... Enjoy it! see http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/more.html |
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| This photo of a polyphemus moth caterpillar, seen just after shedding into its 4rth instar taken July 4rth under natural diffused lighting conditions as found under a maple leaf, nicely illustrates the camouflage effect of the skin coloration. |
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Learn more! |
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For more on observations, facts and fun learning for your child visit the sites described below. |
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For a general description of of the monarch butterfly and its complete life cycle click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_Butterfly |
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>See amazing results and facts surrounding the Monarch lifecycle. |
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>Find out about Monarch tagging, tracking and current research on the complete life cycle. Click here. http://www.monarchwatch.org/ |
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>What you can do. A site of ideas for teachers and students exploring the world of Monarch butterflies. http://www.smm.org/sln/monarchs/ |
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>A butterfly life cycle for kids. Children are drawn into the natural world around them. http://www.tooter4kids.com/LifeCycle/Butterfly_Life_Cycle.htm |
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> A very comprehensive website on all facets of monarch studies. This includes many observations reported from around the country. see: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/ExpertAnswer06.html |
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For a slideshow showing the growth of a parrot chick from a fuzzy little baby into a three foot adult macaw with brilliant red, blue, yellow and green feathers; please link here. Be sure to scroll down the page to find the show |
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For a wide variety and deeper perspectives involving challenging issues facing a world caught up in the man-made maelstrom of social nearsightedness, distrust, misunderstanding and misinterpretation; link to >positive answers and "the Case For World Unity" |
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For a look at how we are continually exploiting the Earth and the need to change our lifestyles so our children's children may see the wonders of nature visit "unsustainable Lifestyles, Is the cost to the future for the present to high?" at http://earth.onenessbecomesus.com |
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Metamorphosis: A Rebirth of Spirit. First, all insects hatch from an egg, on a food source whence it was laid. Eating, growing, crawling through life, instars – shedding when skin is tight. Larva, caterpillar grows so fast, for destined change will be a task. Soon a chrysalis will affirm, an inward change with no return. Chrysalis, a synthesis of of function shape and form, such wonder of mystery, efficiency adorned. Cradle of magnificence protects the change within, Hidden from the eyes of men as it has always been. Colors of a butterfly slowly showing through, the skin of protection, delicate but true. its time for emergence, the chrysalis must die, so its inner being can spread new wings and fly. Pushing and pumping, the pupal skin is cracked, out slips the insect from its previous form intact. Coming together as it works on many parts, if all is successful a new life soon will start. Wings now in symmetry the butterfly has flown, patterned in language code each species calls its own. Now in a world that no human can discern, a metaphor of life reborn for which we often yearn. David Britton Metamorphosis as metaphor? For more on this idea go to http://onenessbecomesus.com/Diversity.html |
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A personal statement about myself. I have had a deep fascination with insects, especially Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) literally since kindergarten. Instead of playing “Cowboys and Indians” with the neighbor kids I was out in a nearby field poking around at all sorts of critters. However, it was always the mystery of the beauty and flight of the butterflies that deeply absorbed my attention. It really was an all consuming passion. Early grade school years saw me collecting butterflies and then going to the college library to classify them. When it was possible to travel a little south of northern Minnesota it was challenging to see if I could find hybrids of white banded and red spotted purples. I thought about things like,” Female white morph sulphur butterflies are so common; why can’t I find any white males?” and so on. One outcome of this rather eccentric childhood is this current website. |
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Be sure to link to the "flickers" site for more photos
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Indepth digital slideshows are to be found on each page. The complete metamorphosis lifecycle is presented as a multiple series of indepth digital images. Don't miss out. Be sure to scroll down each 
