Our first rare white monarch from a caterpillar we saved from the garden.
What's up in the Butterfly Garden (summer/fall 2013)
The buttery count in the area has been down for the past 4 months. The crown flower is growing vigorously, but the milkweed has been invaded by aphids and is not growing well. We have raised approximately 30 butterflies this summer and fall. The lower percentage of egg laying on our plants has given the crown flower a chance to grow. See the pictures of our crown flower plants below in full bloom!
On 10/10 we released 6 butterflies from the most recent batch of caterpillars.
Now we wait to see signed of new caterpillar life.
Milkweed and Crown Flower Blooms!
The leaves have grown back and we have flowers!
We have noticed butterflies fluttering about.... may be time for some eggs once again?
Our largest egg cycle yet....
Rescuing caterpillars....
Chrysalis stage.....
Butterfly stage....
Butterflies ready for flight!
If you see a butterfly fluttering around Kailua...
Chances are it was a butterfly raised by a "butterfly" at Huakailani...
The Huakailani School for Girls "Butterflies" (as the girls are called because the school mascot is a butterfly) released at least 30 butterflies on February 27! The school has been part of the Butterfly Restoration Project, which works to increase the number of Monarch butterflies on our island. The Monarch population on the island has decreased due to over use of pesticides.
All of the butterflies raised in the school are caterpillars that the students, ages 5- 12, have personally rescued from the school's urban crown flower garden. This school year, the students have raised and released over 100 butterflies to date. The project has been a perfect fusion of science and environmental stewardship.
When you see a Monarch fluttering around, know that the planet is in good hands with the Huakailani Keiki, who are learning from a very young age the importance of taking care of the environment.
Chrysalis Formation and Releasing Butterflies
We caught a caterpillar changing from caterpillar to chrysalis. Magical!
Ready, Set , Release!
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