Butterflies and Moths

Each Spring, Gigi, Lexi and Zachary collect caterpillars of different varieties so that they can watch them transform into beautiful butterflies.  This spring they had more varieties than ever before, and really had an opportunity to explore and enjoy each one.  Here is a small video that Gigi put together of their time with some of the butterflies - Butterfly Video. 

 

One of the most exquisite variety they had this year was a Lunar Moth.  It took quite some time to hatch, and we actually worried that  it might not ever emerge, but when it finally did it was so exciting!

This is such a wonderful activity that the kids (and everyone else!) really adore doing with Gigi.  Throughout the few weeks that they spend waiting for the butterflies (or moths) to emerge, and the time they get to spend with the butterflies once they hatch, they learn so much about nature, the different species of butterflies and moths, and the circle of life. 

The most amazing thing that happened this spring is that once the painted lady butterfly had hatched, and the kids had a few days to spend with her on the sun porch, it was time to let her go.  They went outside with her to set her free, but rather than flying away, she stayed with the kids for a very long time, sitting on their fingers, and letting them feed her from flowers in their hands.  She had really grown to trust them, and they knew just how to take care of her.  It was very special.