Sci-Port guests got to experience some of our monarch butterflies’ first flight! We went through the educational process of how a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly. First, the caterpillar sheds its skin as it grows like snakes. It will shed about 5 times as it eats and grows. Then will become a chrysalis (cocoon) as it enters the pupa stage! While inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar’s body will break down into a kind of soup or goo and this begins the process of morphing into a butterfly. This metamorphosis takes approximately 10 – 14 days. Next, the butterfly will emerge from its chrysalis. After the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis it begins to slowly get the blood flowing throughout its wings so that it can fly. The first 24 hours are critical as the butterfly’s wings get strong enough to fly and the butterfly fuels up for flying by drinking its first “meal”. Fun Fact @sciport our staff give the butterflies Gatorade as nectar to enhance the electrolytes and sugar to ensure they are strong for their first flight. Ask our critter loving staff about the next butterfly flight. You may be able to witness it for yourself!
