Metamorphosis

I checked on the caterpillar early this morning and all was well. I’ve been aware of a couple of silken threads near its head, which made me wonder if it was going to make a chrysalis soon.  Sure enough, the next time I looked, a few hours later, everything had changed! The chrysalis looked bright and thin, and I could almost see the stripes of the caterpillar at the bottom. If I’d been a little earlier I might have seen it in action, spinning its shelter. I think the dark pile at the bottom right of the first photo is the caterpillar’s old skin. By the end of the day the chrysalis had a much more solid appearance and a darker color. I read that it can take several weeks to turn into a butterfly, and there is the possibility that it could overwinter in the parsley patch if the nights are cold. I’m trying to figure out if its okay to bring the whole environment indoors to keep it safe, but I don’t want to interfere with its cycle.

The Extra shows our new pastime: working down the list of hot chocolate varieties at a downtown restaurant. This one, called Pantoufle, was thick and dark and very delicious.