Fresh from the Cocoon by Leeco
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Description
Nikon 7900 image.
Last week I watched a Goatweed caterpillar spin itself into a cocoon. After a couple of days I checked on it again and found the cocoon, and the leaf it was attached to, laying on the ground. It appears that ants had cut the stem of the leaf and were working on the cocoon.
I brought it inside and kept an eye on it. This morning, I noticed the chrysalis had changed color from green to a transparent white. That indicated the emergence was near. Despite my knowing that fact, I still managed to miss the first few moments of the event, lol. By the time I realized what was going on, the butterfly had completely emerged from the shell. The wings were still mostly compressed though.
By the time I got it outside into the light. the wings had almost fully expanded and by the time I got a good pic, they had reached full size. I did manage to get several good shots as it gathered it's strength and todays posting is one of those.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee
Comments (25)
MrsLubner
This is one of those amazing occurances that not many people are patient enough to witness. This is obviously new and delicate. Oh so beautiful. Fabulous
lilbiscuit
That would have been awesome to see. Wonderful shot.
micturn
Just brilliant.
baryack
A really great shot and moment ! Yann :)
kimariehere
awesome capture !!!! wow just unfolded with wings what an interesting looking creature!
wonderworld
Just gorgeous and love the muted colors. Amazing how he looks like an Autumn leaf. The magic of Nature!
FCLittle
What amazing camoflage!
yorkshire_pud
WOW That is really beautiful!! Nice of you to give him/her a chance at life too :O)
JeffG7BRJ
You really are a compassionate man Lee, there are very few that would have bothered to pick up the cocoon much less taken it inside to give it a chance of survival. I think you have been rewarded though by this wonderful, beautiful photograph. A fantastic close up of this little critter, the wings look like leaves off a tree in Autumn, fantastic camouflage at this time of year. Thanks for the story as well as the image. Bravo!!!!!
angelafair
This is fantastic! Isn't nature an exciting thing to see? I am glad you had the patients for this, and shared this with us! Wonderful shot! Thank you!
Kyms_Cave
I have never seen anything like this, it's strange but nice just the same, thank you for showing us...so glad you had the patience to wait for it to happen....
tizjezzme
what a great story and what a beautiful shot here Lee. My daughter used to bring in the caterpillars that turn themselves into Monarchs. One year she had 6 jars under her bed; one in each, along with the milkweed they were eating. One day, I opened her bedroom door, and there were 6 monarchs flutterfing around her room. lol what a site.
krakosky
great camouflage of the model and great shot
slawa
Think to capture that moment!
amlondono
BEAUTIFUL SHOT !!!
promiselamb
wow Lee awesome shot :-) sorry I never got around to posting the macro you helped me with :-( keep up the great work hun :-)
Isha-NightWalker
Excellent. Great photograph. Just perfect.
mbz2662
Wow, awesome image... Nature sure is something!
Fidelity2
Splendid.
bpclarke
Very cool! This is a splendid shot. I'm glad you got this one. Bunny
lizzibell
nice capture..
Richardphotos
totally awesome lee.I am impressed with your tenacity
muse27
Awesome and amazing. I've never seen a crystalis, and I've never seen a "fresh butterfly" either. Great capture, and thank you so much for sharing. I'm adding this to my favorites. I love the coloring on the wings, and the POV and lighting are perfect for this image. :o)
mamabobbijo
What a wonderful rescue! It looks as though your efforts were successful. Perhaps it will return as an adult for a more extensive photoshoot! Amazing colouring, it looks like a leaf here.
Blush
Never saw a fresh butterfly before ir a crystalis either Perfect capture..thanks for the story Hugs Susan~