Picture #1	Picture #2

This is the stage where lots happens but little is seen from the outside. Picture #1 is from 4 days ago and Picture #2 is what it looked like hours later and now days later. The top half compressed and the outer clear skin has hardened into a protective shell. Your Pupae or Chrysalis will hang for more than a week. look at Picture #2 and you will see gold spots and a golden ring around the top. Chrysalis is a Greek word meaning golden crown. The Golden crown was the Greek sign of royalty. Did the Greeks kings crown themselves with gold laurels after seeing the gold ring on this butterfly pupae or did this butterfly get its name "Monarch" from the Greek practice of having their kings wear golden crowns? The practice of taking ideas from Nature is very common. Have you ever seen the English Kings robes? They also look very much like the wings of a Monarch butterfly.

The pupae is also the first moment you can tell the sex of your soon to be butterfly. This picture of a Pupae depicts the faint outlines of the outer skin of the caterpillar as it changes into a butterfly. All the bodyparts are already outlined as it turns from caterpillar to chrysalis. The arrow points to one tiny extra line that runs vertically as a pupae hangs, this line tells us it will be a female. Use a magnifying glass! Another easy hint is the female chrysalis is usually smaller too. Always be very gentle when handling delicate Pupae.

At this point the chrysalis is safe to move and even pack and ship to different locations. Our Foundation distributes Monarchs to schools and to persons across the United States for education and enjoyment. You can bypass the work of a hungry caterpillar and get a pupae, they make amazing gifts that are sure to create a lasting memory.

This link will give you access to Free seeds, Milkweed plants, and important plant care information. www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm

The live Monarch Foundation brings you this free learning experience and hope you will share your, lessons with others and help Butterflies in your area by inspiring others to take action and plant seeds for their caterpillar children. Please take advantage of our Free Seed Program , our low cost plants and butterfly rearing supplies and please tell others about this online pet adventure!

Next update in 4 days.