Monarch Metamorphosis

In 2025 we've raised 64 monarchs with the help of all of the milkweed planted in the garden. On Halloween day one of our final caterpillar's let us know it was beginning metamorphosis by hanging upside down in the shape of a J. Inspired by 'panda cam', our 'cat cam' recordings from that night capture the moments of the monarch "changing costumes" by shedding its exoskeleton and transforming into a chrysalis. Two weeks later we know metamorphosis is almost complete because the chrysalis shell turns transparent before the butterfly emerges and expands its wings with fluid stored in the abdomen. We theatrically reenacted the life cycle of a monarch (including feet up "caterpillar crunches") and "pushing through" to emerge - try giving the monarch words of encouragement and affirmation as it goes through a big life change, we know those are never easy!

Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Metamorphosis - Caterpillar to Chrysalis

Watch one of our Monarch Caterpillars live in action as it transforms into a chrysalis (pupa). This is one of our last monarch caterpillars of the year who has eaten so much milkweed she is all set up for metamorphosis! (starts shedding exoskeleton at 9 hours, 3 minute, 15 seconds)

Monarch Metamorphosis - Chrysalis to Butterfly

Monarch Videos & Images

Name
caterpillar crunches!.HEIC
Monarch nature art with symmetry practice.HEIC
found a seed inside the berry.HEIC
malabar spinach berry monarch art with symmetry and figure practice.HEIC
butterfly drinking nectar after being released on the playground.MOV
butterfly in the sun on the playground.heic
hungry fourth and fifth install cats.HEIC
so many monarchs!.HEIC
Chrysalis.jpg
Migrating Monarch visits the community garden.HEIC
1st instar caterpillar.heic
first instar cat.HEIC
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