Butterfly Kits Part 2

We are finding that the re-birth of the butterfly isn't exactly a beautiful or clean process. Butterflies pass what is called meconium after they emerge. It's the leftover tissue that they didn't need for their transformation. It looks quite a bit like blood, and was very alarming for boys who've been tending them since caterpillars.

The butterflies drink from either the sliced oranges or the flower that has a mixture of sugar and water dropped onto it.

We still find the process to be awe inspiring and miraculous. After I took these pictures another butterfly emerged. There are 2 chrysalises left. We are waiting with baited breath to see if we actually get 5 healthy butterflies.