left arrow back

next right arrow

Monarch Inside Chrysalis

Monarch emerging from chrysalis

The skin splits open and the butterfly slowly moves out. It is wet and tired from this change. It is not ready to fly yet.

Inside its body the butterfly pumps fluid into the wings to make it strong enough to fly. The warmth of the sun will make the butterfly able to fly.

 

Photographs courtesy of Harlen E. and Altus Aschen, Victoria Christian School, in Victoria, Texas (VCS Monarch Observations)