Well, I’ve been checking on the progress of my little caterpillar family on an almost daily basis since they burrowed into the soil and turned into chrysalises. Because I have been forgetting to check daily (slaps own wrist) I placed a tiny container of sugar water in the jar in case they emerged without me noticing, and sure enough, when I looked this morning, there were three moths all gathered at the top of the jar waiting to be let out, but looking in great condition!
I grabbed the jar and my camera and took them outside into the sun. Carefully taking off the purpose-made, highly specialised caterpillar- and moth-containing cover (ie, one piece of torn net curtain and a half-perished rubber band), I slowly turned it upside down on the jar and took that photo at the top there. Sweet, aren’t they? And see? I was right, they are Cabbage Moths.
They weren’t in any particular rush to get away, but fly they did, and very strongly too - just as newly emerged lepidoptera should.
One landed on my hand and sat there vibrating gently for a while before flying off happily towards the back garden. One took off and landed on a geranium, and the other seemed a little reluctant to leave the jar, so I had time to set my camera to video and record this little movie, which might seem unexciting to most, but I found entirely enchanting.
I felt quite maternal as I watched my tiny charges spread their wings and fly off into the great wide world for the first time.
For those who don’t remember - or who weren’t reading this blog at the time - I found these eggs stuck to my lounge mirror and decided to try to rear them. I think we can safely say I was successful! Yay me!
Oh, and Babs requested pics at all stages of their development. I did do a caterpillar update once they’d hatched, but now, just for you, my dear, here is a picture of them as chrysalises. I tipped the jar especially to take the photo so you could see them.
Congratulations, Jay! I remember that initial post. To see the results is thrilling. When I saw the moth on your hand, I had to imagine the joy you felt! Cheers to you and your extended family! :))
petra michelles last blog post..Columbus Meets Captain Jack Sparrow
Aww how sweet . . hope there’s no cabbages in your garden! I always thought that cabbage moths were white . . so there you go, I learn something every day! Let’s hope they’re not homing moths and leave three sets of eggs on your mirror next time they visit!
Ohh, I’m secretly disappointed, for I’ve hoped that they would be beautiful butterflies.
Cabbage moths are pests right?
The Real Mother Hens last blog post..The Golden Liquid
Oh WOW!!! I just happened to have ‘The Lion King’ playing from another blog, when watching that little video. It fitted nicely :O) Thank you so much for the chrysalises photo, just for me :O)
This all made me quite excited and I just know what you mean when you say you felt maternal. I think I would have too!
Well done!
wow jay. it’s been nice watching them progress, but they still give me the heebie geebies.
Petra - Yes, it was rather nice of one of them to land on me long enough to say goodbye, wasn’t it?
I will pop over and take a look at your latest script tomorrow!
Baino - Cabbage butterflies are white, they’re actually called ‘Cabbage Whites’. And they’re far more of a nuisance, I think - they ate all my nasturtiums one year! LOL!
Three sets of eggs! Hahaha! They wouldn’t dare.
Would they??
RMH - Yes, officially, Cabbage Moths are pests, but mine ate dandelions for preference, and I did offer them lettuce and cabbage leaves!
I was pretty sure they wouldn’t be butterflies, but there was always that tiny little hope, I guess!
Babs - I thought you’d like that! Oh - and I got a picture of a very unusual ladybird today! It was black, with just one large, very dark red, spot on each wing! I’ll have to send it to you!
Valerie - Well, I’m glad if you got some small pleasure from it all. I know there are some of you who get a bit freaked by insects, but it’s part of who I am, you see!
Congratulations, Mama! How cool is that?
Peace - D
RiverPoets last blog post..Satur-daze
Looks like I have just opened my wallet
Moons last blog post..The ‘World’ Series …. apparently ..
How brilliant - I guess that makes you a real moth-er!!
Loved the video - really special
Kates last blog post..Sunday dinner???? Make mine a pie!
Nice story.
Did they come back and pay some visit to their mother in blog ?
deslilass last blog post..Un sanglier en forêt d’Orient
Jay:
What a fantastic project, and a successful one at that. Great pictures of the moths. I also loved the video. It came out perfect. Just like National Geographic!
Happy trails.
Swubirds last blog post..THE TIRE THIEF
How cute! They fluttered along to thank you, a bit, before leaving I think. After all, you’re the only mother they’ve ever known.
Jenn T.s last blog post..If TV Guide Wrote Classic Book Summaries
River Poet - Thank you! I feel relieved that I managed to keep them alive, but you know, I’m aware that the miracle is not mine.
Moon - Hahaha! Now, I don’t believe you’re tightfisted. Not after reading your blog. You can’t fool me!
Kate - Now that’s a great pun! I didn’t even think of that one!
Deslilas - ‘Mother in blog’ - I like it! LOL!
Swubird - Thanks! It’s nice to be able to have a happy ending to the story, isn’t it?
Jenn - I’m so proud! *Wipes away a tear* But now they’ve gone and left me! *Sniff*
How *awesome* …and that’s a huge compliment coming from someone who has ‘issues’ with most ‘creatures’
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..I Be Sick Again
Very cool. I’m so glad they hatched. (Is that the right verb?)
Ruth Hull Chatliens last blog post..Put Gladness in My Heart
Really lovely and satisfying !!sandy
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Oh yes please. That sounds lovely!
Babs - beetles last blog post..Ducks, ducks, everywhere ducks!
Meleah - Thanks! I’m glad I didn’t freak you out completely!
Ruth and Sandy - Thanks, yes it was satisfying and I’m happy they hatched OK, too!
Babs - I’ll send it over!
Wow, Jay! Congrats!!! What a great thing… how tiny little beings can still give us wonder and amazement. I would have been proud too! You Done Did Good!!
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