a little creepy, quite fascinating

We've had our eye on two fat Wanderer caterpillars in our front yard for a few days now. Today, Clem went to check on them and found one in the very act of shedding its skin and revealing the chrysalis. You don't think it's a bit creepy? Picture it wiggling - nay, writhing - to get that skin off. Happened within the span of a minute or two. Kept wiggling somewhat after the entire skin was gone. But isn't it cool how you can see where the wings are already beginning to form at the end there?

- Jane x

Bringing the butterflies

Have you ever tried to photograph a butterfly?

It's a bit like photographing a toddler.

These milkweeds, or swan plants, came from my mum. She grows them to attract the Wanderer butterfly. They have those fabulous yellow, white and black caterpillars which are fascinating to the kids and even to a caterpillar-phobe like me. Later, they decorate the plants, neighbouring plants and nearby windowframes of our house with their superb blue-and-gold cocoons. Then hatch, to begin the cycle again elsewhere.

Thank goodness for digital cameras, so I can snap away and eventually catch the right moment. You can even see a tiny white egg on a leaf here.

I believe they travel far, these butterflies, hence their name. One day perhaps you'll see one of 'our' butterflies at your place. We're keeping this one at home for a bit longer, though.

- Jane x