A few weeks ago, Mrs O'Neill's Primary 3 class received 5 very small and very hungry caterpillars! 🐛 We watched them carefully as they ate and grew to about 10 times their starting size! Just over a week later they, they entered the chrysalis stage. We then could move them carefully into the butterfly habitat but we had to make sure all the silk strands and frass (the white webbing) were removed. At the beginning of last week, we were delighted when our beautiful Painted Lady Butterflies began to emerge from their chrysalides. We had to allow them a few days to stretch and dry their wings and during this time we made sure to feed them sugar water and lots of juicy fruit like oranges.. this replicates the nectar they find in flowers! On Friday afternoon, it was finally time to release our butterflies into our school gardens 🦋 We have really enjoyed caring for our butterflies and seeing the life cycle first hand...keep an eye out for our winged friends around the school in the days and weeks ahead!
