This assignment is designed to demonstrate the life cycles of different species in our everyday surroundings. Students are given a large responsibility with a great reward.
Background Information

 

The Painted Lady (a.k.a. Thistle Butterfly) may be the most widespread butterfly in the
world. The Painted Lady begins its life cycle as an egg that is the size of a pinhead. The
pale green eggs have an incubation period of 3 to 5 days. The caterpillar eats continually
for 5 to 10 days before it pupates. The purple to black segmented caterpillar builds a
silky web-like nest as it continues to feed. As the larva grows, it sheds its skin through a process called molting. When the caterpillar reaches the normal size, it pupates. The caterpillar then climbs to a hidden leaf or branch where it attaches itself with a single
silken string and proceeds to hang upside-down. This is the chrysalis stage. In about 7
to 10 days and adult will emerge from the almost transparent chrysalis. When an adult
emerges from the split chrysalis, it hangs upside down and pumps blood into its four
wings, inflating them. After pumping, the butterfly waits until its fragile wings are dry. In
a few hours flying can occur. The adult Painted Lady is mostly black, brown and orange
with white spots. The adult has a 2-2 7/8 in. wingspan. Adults sip sweet thistle and
clover nectar. Adults can mate in about a week after emerging. The adults only live
about 2 weeks.

sources: www.enchantedlearning.com

Activities

Materials

"Chrysalis Diary"
Butterfly Journal Instructions
  • Duel reading of the poem "Chrysalis Diary"
  • Take-home Painted Ladies experiment
  • Butterfly journal
  • Eric Carle's book A Very Hungry Caterpillar
  • Web site Exploration
Resources
Many of these web sites will offer great assistance in the care of your butterflies. They also offer invaluable information regarding butterflies and caterpillars alike.