Last night our first Monarch butterfly — the one in the little net cage — emerged from his chrysalis. We could finally tell he was male because of the scent glands on his hindwings. He took hours to unfold his wings and flush them with blood. At last, we took him out and put him on some plants on our balcony so he can fly away when he’s ready.

After splitting the shell of its chrysalis, the butterfly extended and expanded his wings.

After splitting the shell of its chrysalis, the butterfly extended and expanded his wings.

The coiled tongue, or proboscis, is visible on the head.

The coiled tongue, or proboscis, is visible on the head.

Close up side Close up wings open Close up wings shutButterfly nose

One Comment on “First Monarch

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