1042 Rural School Leaflet. 



moments of rest now and then; as the milkweed leaves arc very suc- 

 culent, the caterpillars may attain their growth in eleven days; 

 they, like all other insects, shed their skeleton skins to allow for 

 further growth. 



"When fully grown the caterpillar hangs itself up by the tip end 

 of its body and sheds its last caterpillar skin. A most marvelous trans- 

 formation has meanwhile taken place; now it is a little, oblong object 



of exquisite delicate green, ornamented 

 . '^ '^^ ^^ v.ith flecks and tubercles and dots of gold. 



%,- There is a band of gold across the third 



'%g segment of the abdomen, the lower edge 

 of which is dotted with black. The chrys- 

 alis is attached by a little black knob 

 ending in hooks to a button of silk, spun 

 by the caterpillar for this use. After a 

 few days the chrysalis changes to a darker 

 and more bluish green ; and as the time 

 nears for the butterfly to emerge the 

 hue becomes darker and duller. About 

 Fig. 1;^.— Chrysalis of Monarch twelve days after the chrysalis is formed 

 *^ -^ the butterfly emerges. At first '.ts wings 



are very much crumpled from being confined in so small a space ; but 

 soon they expand in all their beauty and a new Monarch drifts lazily 

 and confidently off into the world. 



Observations for pupils 



1. How can you tell the Monarch butterfly from other butterflies 

 when you see it flying? How does it compare in size with any other 

 copper-colored butterfly? What is peculiar about its flight? Notice 

 whether it flaps its wings often or seems afraid. 



2. How many colors does the Monarch butterfly show on the upper 

 side of its wings? Make a sketch or describe the part which is copper- 

 red, the parts which are black, and where the white appears. Can you 

 see white marks on the edge of the wings? 



3. Is there any copper- red on the lower side of its wings? What is 

 the general color of the wings below? How are the white spots arranged 

 on the lower side of the front wings? 



4. What colors do you find on the Monarch's body ? Sketch or describe 

 the antennae; the eyes. 



5. If you have a captive butterfly, bring in bouquets of nasturtiums 

 or salvia and place the butterfly on them. Describe how it reaches tlie 



