We have been raising Monarch caterpillars from eggs. (See previous posts.) I have not posted about them for ten days; Ten days is a LONG time in regards to monarch caterpillars. Today is day 15 of their caterpillar life; they are ready to pupate, hanging from their silk pads in the typical “J” shape. What follows is a series of pictures of these facinating creatures as we have observed them. The pictures range from day 5 as a caterpillar to the present time (day 15). Enjoy!

5-day-old monarch caterpillar: can you find it on the leaf?

9-day-old monarch caterpillars

11-day-old monarch caterpillars

12-day-old monarch caterpillars

15-day-old monarch caterpillars: ready to pupate.

So, as of this post, five out of seven of our caterpillars are ready to pupate. Since they entered this last stage of caterpillarhood last night, we expect to see a change into the chrysalid state this evening. We are excited and expectant; I hope we don’t miss it; I hear it happens fast.