The Monarch

 Here is the caterpillar that will start to curl up, spin the cocoon and finally cover itself, and become the chrysalis or pupa.( Photo courtesy of the internet)

This pupa is green to begin, and gradually turns darker, until it is finally so dark ,and transparent. This is the exciting stage, and at many primary schools this is observed as a project. ( Photo courtesy of the internet)Here is the outcome, a beautiful Monarch Butterfly, seen on Tuesday 21st June, in the lower North Island.They usually swarm under a huge pine tree near Tauranga and only begin to move further south when the weather gets warmer. It clung to the washing on the line, then moved to my hand and clung on for ages. Finally after I moved it gently to a leaf for further photos, it flew away.

This is the largest butterfly found in New Zealand, and has been here since the late 1800's.In North America they fly thousands of miles south to warmer areas, to avoid the cold winters.

Maybe it was here to herald in the Shortest Day.

Cheers  from Jean