E.T. A LOCAL WAY OF LEARNING
Title: BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE
Author: Sarah Otis
Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School
Grade Level: K-12
Concepts: Disciplines:
2. Ecosystem 1. Science
3. Carrying Capacity 2. Art
12.Stewardship
Objective:
By collecting a caterpillar and caging it through its' chrysalis or pupa stage,
students can observe the life cycle and metamorphosis of an insect. Students
shall be able to identify the parts of the insect and their function as outlined
in The Anatomy.
Rationale:
The West Indies are poor in natural reserves. It behooves the butterfly
enthusiast constantly to bear in mind that the facet of nature that interests
him, tiny as it may seem, is part of a much greater and unbelievably complicated
natural system, no part of which can be upset without risk of disturbing the
whole. Using a field guide, older students should be able to identify any
number of butterflies from among the seven major families which occur in the
Virgin Islands.
Materials Needed:
In order to observe the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, a cage
will be necessary. A simple one may be constructed from a bleach bottle and
screening. For identification and classification purposes, Riley's Field Guide
is necessary.
References:
A Field Guide to the Butterflies of The West Indies;
Norman Riley, (Caribbean Collection Section in Virgin
Islands Libraries). -
0or
SColro boffle.
and Screerr
ES-1
E. T.
BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE
Directions/Activity:
1. Caterpillars can be collected at various times throughout the year. A
sure bet is December and a Frangipani tree, covered with colorful,
crawling creatures. In caging any caterpillar be sure to provide plenty
of fresh leaves from whatever plant on which you find them feeding until
they reach the chrysalis stage. Provide dirt when needed for the pupae
that dig into the ground to metamorphose also. Do not be alarmed if they
appear, to be lifeless. When the butterfly finally emerges as an "imago"
its' wings hang limp on either side like tiny bags. They are expanded by
fluid which is pumped through the veins until they are dry and hard. Now
is the time to let it go.
2. When going on a butterfly walk, be aware that butterflies are creatures
of the sun. In dull weather they go to the ground and the difficulty of
finding them at rest is a lesson in natural camouflage. The colors and
patterns that make them conspicuous when in flight, serve the opposite
purpose when they rest. They frequent gardens of flowers or crops, rain
forests, open fields and roadsides.
The Anatomy:
The butterfly consists of a head, thorax, abdomen, two pairs of wings, and
three pairs of legs. The head has a pair of antennae (feelers), a pair of
short, three jointed sensory organs palpii), between which lies the proboscis,
and a pair of large compound dyes. The proboscis, through which the butterfly
sucks up water or nectar, is a hollow tube. The thorax is the butterfly's power
plant containing the muscles that operate the wings and legs. A leg is made up
of four parts ending in a claw. The wings are flattened bags between which run
the veins that support them.
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Sbu rflr coterp;llar
i mago) (larva)
chrysal ;5
(?upa)
ihorax~
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