Posted on by RS

Buckeye Metamorphosis

This was a wonderful find. One day we discovered more than 20 caterpillars on a single bush. We went back to visit regularly and watched the metamorphosis process of a buckeye butterfly.

Buckeye Metamorphosis
September 20th – This caterpillar is about two inches long in this photo.
Buckeye Metamorphosis
September 29th – The chrysalis. Not sure which of the many caterpillars made this specific chrysalis but I was lucky to follow this one for the rest of the process.
Buckeye Metamorphosis
October 8 – This is the butterfly that emerged from the same chrysalis in the picture above this one. After emerging, the butterflies tended to sit still for a while with their wings closed. You see here the underside of the wings because they are closed. (Photo by partner)
Buckeye Metamorphosis
October 8 – A little later, this is that same butterfly now with opened wings. This is the beautiful pattern of the buckeye butterfly. (Photo by partner)