"LIFE CYCLE" of the "SUNFLOWER" PATCHWORK BUTTERFLY

The family I raised were very active on a tall wild sunflower plant in my backyard wildlife habitat.  I was fascinated there were so many eggs in one place.  Most other butterflies lay one egg at a time, with the caterpillar living a solitary life.  But these little patchworks are a very close little family.  As caterpillars, they travel in a group from one leaf to another, until they get too big for too many to fit.  Their cocoons are very small, as are the little butterflies that emerge.  (Also part of my "Life Cycles" Exhibit displayed in Children's Museum of Houston and San Antonio Children's Museum.)

MATING

                                     

EGGS

TINY BABIES COMING OUT OF EGGS!

BABY CATERPILLARS TRAVEL TOGETHER IN GROUPS

ONLY A FEW FIT ON ONE LEAF WHEN THEY GET BIGGER

CATERPILLAR TURNING INTO CHRYSALIS & A CHRYSALIS WITH SHED SKIN AT TOP

SINGLE TINY COCOON

WHAT A FACE!