Lesson Summary
Students observe the butterflies emerging from the chrysalis (or discover the butterfly and empty chrysalis case). Students observe some distinct butterfly body parts. An assessment can also be given to assess students’ understanding of the life cycle of a butterfly by placing pictures in the correct sequence or by having students make a life cycle wheel using the same concept.
Teacher Background
Refer back to Lesson 8 teacher background information for signs that the butterfly is about to emerge. When it finally happens, it only takes about 30 seconds. A small crack appears on the back of the chrysalis and then another crack along the side. These openings free the butterfly’s back and six legs. The butterfly steps out of the chrysalis. The butterfly positions itself so the wings hang downward, it then forces fluids into its wings and makes them expand, this is called “pumping up”. Within 2 to 3 hours the wings will be fully expanded and hardened and ready to fly.
Set-up/Management Tips
- The adult butterfly stage will only last for about 7-10 days before they die. During this time, they will lay eggs that will continue the life cycle.
- Use Figure 9-1 to show the butterfly emerging and expanding its wings or “pumping up”.
- If you or your students spot the butterfly emerging it is an exciting event to watch, especially since it happens so fast.
- Earlier in this unit, you may have talked about the life cycle and about how sometimes things go wrong. This topic may be brought up again, as there are instances when wings don’t dry correctly and a butterfly’s proboscis does not work properly. Use this time to talk about how events in their natural habitat such as strong winds while they are in their chrysalis causing it to fall on the ground could cause its wings to not develop properly, etc.
- When the butterflies emerge, they will leave waste leftover from metamorphosis in the cage. This waste is called meconium. Students will think it is blood because it is red. You will need to reassure them that it is meconium they are seeing.
Literacy Support
There are currently no VAST Mediagraphies listed for this unit.
Scientific Vocabulary
The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit:
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