I tried to make this all meaningfull for Loralei, but not only does she not quite (nearly though) grasp the concept, but it al turned (sort of) to custard.
When I first got the swan plants there was one caterpillar that emerged a few days later, so we named 'it' Trinity. All good so far. That caterpillar turned into a chrysallis and later that day there were 3 more caterpillars, it all seemed to fit, Trinity (meaning the power of three) & three caterpillars. Well, less than a week later caterpillar #3 vanished 'sob'. Oh well, over that now. Well, today 'Trinity' came out of 'it's' crysallis, lets just say, Trinity is not such a well suited name, Trinity is a boy.
Anyway, here are some pics we took today.

Trinity - pre-hatch



Trinity all dried out and ready to take flight, in fact this pic was taken seconds before he took off. I'm a bit bummed, because he was ready to emerge before we went to plunket adn I really wanted to watch, but we came back and he'd already come out (no pun intended).



Caterpillar #1 (of the three) in chrysallis form.



Caterpillar #2 mid transforming into a chrysallis, this one will probably be mostly chrysallis ina couple of hours.



Anyone got any names for these 2???

I'm finding this all very fascinating

How about Loralei and Gabe, that would fit in with Trinity and the power of three

We done the same for Kairyn but he lost interest really quick, maybe when mine become butterflies his interest will peak.

ETA: How do you tell boy from girl (butterflies I mean )

hehe I was thinking the same thing about the names and the sex of a butterfly

Perfect names

Boys have the little black dots in the middle of the lower wings along one of the black 'veins', girls veins are generally darker. I only know this because I did a little online research to find out about how long the whole process will take. It's been a while since school

I can't seem to see anymore eggs, hope we get some soon, theres enough plant for them to eat, I was expecting so many more.

Here's hoping Loralei and Gabe turn out to be the right gender

Thanks now I know what to look for

You could always name them once they have emerged

Oh my goodness, it's amazing, I'll post pics later, gotta deal with kids at the mo, but, I just got on camera the last shed of skin of Loralei/Gabe (whichever one it turns out to be), so cool, I'll take more later too when it's more formed, it's kind of like a squidgy green chrysallis at the mo. Am I the only one totally dumbfounded by it all

hehe dontcha love it when you try and educate your kids and they could give a toss and you end up the only one going ohhh and ahhh.

OK, sorry, but I have to have a little "Mummy" brag here!!!!

This wonderful woman, who is doing all this caterpillar growing, sewing etc, for the benefit of my darling grandchildren is my beautiful daughter Amanda!!!!

Sweetie, just wanted to acknowledge for all the world to see how much I love you and how proud I am of all your efforts. Keep it going!!!!
Love you always
Mum xoxoxx

Awww Mummy shucks Must've been good parenting on your behalf aye

No your not the only one out there get all excited, I'm constantly checking in on the caterpillers and am amazed at all the changes going on

And I have to agree with your Mum, Manda, you are doing a wonderful job raising your kids!

Here's the latest installment. Lots of pics, but I made them small so hopefully I haven't annoyed anyone.









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Oh and I think we've got some eggs

Wow that's so cool!

Manda, I am as interested in it all as you, I Love watching the process but that one the other day just blew me away, how fast it all happens.
For everyone else basically when I left Mandas it was a catapillar got a txt when I got home and it was a fully formed Chrysallis!

I agree a Wonderful Mum that you are Manda, And a wonderful Friend!
Will be seeing you real soon.
Oh and hehe I going to that shop care of you know who....lol