These fascinating images show the incredible metamorphosis of the monarch butterfly, from egg to caterpillar to pupa.
Sam Limmage-Werner from New Zealand started raising his own monarch butterflies in 2019 when he received milkweed for Christmas. The bell-shaped plant with pink flowers is a genus of the primula family. It grows mainly on saline soils on sea coasts and on saline soils.
It is then flooded with butterflies, because monarch larvae feed exclusively on this plant.
The New Zealander had never raised butterflies before, so he had absolutely no idea what to expect. After intensive research, he finds a way to raise the beautiful insects. Limmage-Werner puts a lot of time and effort into raising these adorable creatures. Once the seeds are planted, they will soon produce eggs, which will turn into caterpillars.
After the young breeder brings the caterpillars into his house for the first time, a surprise awaits him: The caterpillars are spread all over the house, even though the small larvae are just 5 centimeters long.
Limmage-Werner puts videos of his magnificent insects on the Internet – the reactions are overwhelming. Every day he gets asked countless questions, which he cannot answer all of them.
The proud butterfly breeder is excited to witness the insects develop from tiny eggs into these amazing creatures. Limmage-Werner will continue his rearing in the future and continue to inspire thousands of people on TikTok with his experiences.