Mrs. Chapdelaine Says...

Our caterpillar habitats are changing so fast. Between yesterday (day 10, 11 and 12)and tomorrow, each caterpillar should change (metamorphism's) into a J-shape caterpillar hanging from it's silk button and then into a chrysalis. This is a very exciting time especially if you see it happen. The two changes can happen in a matter of 2 to 3 hours. The chrysalis stage is stage 3 and the chrysalis stage can last up to 15 days.

Day 10 by Abby and Angelina

Abby says.....The caterpillar hasn't moved from the spot he was in on Monday or Tuesday (on top of his habitat). In the cup habitat there is less mallow. The brown spots on the sides are dried up mallow that the caterpillar chewed and then spit out.
Angelina says...There is less mallow than yesterday and a lot more dried mallow. It looks like the caterpillar is getting ready to make it's "J" shape.

Abby was wondering....When will the caterpillar be a chrysalis?
Angelina was wondering....How many days will the caterpillar be in his chrysalis?

Day 9 by Sarah and Sam

Sarah says... today the caterpillar is in the same shape as a snail. If you look in the habitat there is so much dried mallow. The caterpillar is still on the top of the habitat.
Sam says...the caterpillar's bristles are bigger. The caterpillar molted again, I know this because I see a new head capsule. The caterpillar is bigger than it was yesterday.

Sarah's question is why is the head capsule is so big?
Sam's question is how much silk is in the habitat?

Mrs. Chapdelaine says...

Due to the heat the caterpillars are growing very quickly. Some of the caterpillars are moving their way to the top of the habitat. They are getting ready to use the silk they are making. Ask your children what the caterpillars use the silk for? This may be a busy/changing week for the caterpillars. Tune in for more news tomorrow.

Day 8 by Ainsley and Bradley

Bradley says...Today the caterpillar is eating lots of mallow. The caterpillar is eating mallow on the silk.
Ainsley says...In the habitat the mallow is dark when this happens it means the mallow is dry. The caterpillars true legs are in the air moving side to side. When it is moving the silk is being made. The pro legs are helping the caterpillar stay on the ceiling of the habitat.

Ainsley's question is how long do the bristles get?
Bradley's question is how many body parts are inside the caterpillar?