Yep..... Dropped its drawers in front of God and everyone!

What an insect!

Hard to believe that THIS.....

.....was concealing THAT! Surprise, Surprise ;0)

The story is not over yet.....

More here..... http://30minutesaday2peaceofmind.blogspot.com/

Photos (papilio glaucus) by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly - Update on metamorphosis - Caterpillar now preparing for chrysalis stage

Attached by silk threads to the stem of a plant the caterpillar awaits. The next update will show that the final exoskeleton has been shed to reveal a chrysalis. Amazing! (click on image to supersize)
Photo by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

American Lady Butterfly - From caterpillar - To chrysalis - To butterfly!

The chrysalis of the Vanessa virginiensis - sometimes called American Painted Beauty - can vary in color as do the butterflies. This one is brightly colored with green, yellow & brown.

Sipping the coneflower nectar

Here the caterpillar is prepared for metamorphosis.


Drab shades of gray for this chrysalis

A favorite food of this caterpillar (at least in my yard) is Cudweed.

In this view of the same butterfly (as shown above) you can see the top wing colors.

More information about this beautiful insect: http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/V/Vanessa_virginiensis.asp

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Eastern Black Tiger Swallowtail emerges from chrysalis. Now the mystery is solved!

(click on image to supersize) I posted an image of the chrysalis a few days ago and only had guessed what might emerge..... and now here is what the treasure box contained..... in all its glory ;0) Now it begins the final chapter of its existance. Gorgeous butterfly!
Photograph by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Butterfly Chrysalis found "just hanging around" in Chesterfield County. Possibly a Swallowtail but won't be sure until it emerges.

Discovered hanging on the side of my home, this chrysalis is concealing an amazing metamorphosis of one of nature's most beautiful creatures.... the butterfly!
photograph by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/