Tiny Eggs, Big Transformations
There’s always something new to discover and learn at the Elizabeth River Trail, and sometimes that happens inside our HQ!
During our Celebrate Trails Day/Trailside HQ Grand Opening on April 25, members of the Butterfly Society of Virginia were set up in our “Community Partner” area, educating people about moths and butterflies. Our Executive Director, Kindra, was able to acquire some butterfly (Monarch) and moth (Polyphemus & Cecropia) eggs for our team to care for. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to witness one of nature’s most mind-boggling transformations firsthand.
But first, our team needed a lesson on being proper moth and butterfly parents! Kindra led a Lunch and Learn session for the rest of the team, educating everyone on the lifecycle of these critters and our responsibilities in the process of raising moths and butterflies from eggs. While Kindra has raised butterflies and moths before, this is her first time raising Cecropia moths, making it a learning experience for the entire team.
Our monarch caterpillar spent its days happily munching on fresh milkweed before forming a chrysalis. Once the gold ring appeared on the chrysalis, we knew butterfly magic was about to happen! After emerging as its beautiful butterfly self, Austin and Kaycee released the Monarch at our Monarch Waystation (Plum Point Park) so it could partake in its natural migration.
Today we’re caring for two Polyphemus moths and four Cecropia moths, all safely tucked away in their cocoons.
Before reaching this stage, these “Very Hungry Caterpillars” kept us busy! The Polyphemus caterpillars feasted on oak leaves, while our Cecropias devoured sweet gum leaves so quickly we found ourselves replenishing the fresh branches every day. Cecropia moths are the largest moth in North America and have a 9” wingspan when they emerge. Just before spinning their cocoons, the caterpillars were nearly the size of hot dogs!
Like any good caretaker, we cleaned their habitats daily to remove their frass (that’s the scientific word for caterpillar poo) to keep them healthy as they grew.
If our moths emerge later this summer, we’ll release them at dusk when they have the best chance of survival. If nature decides they’re on a different schedule, they may spend the winter in their cocoons and emerge next spring instead.
Experiences like these remind us that the Elizabeth River Trail is not only a place to walk, run, or ride. It provides a reason to slow down, stay curious, and connect with the incredible wildlife that shares these spaces with us.
Stay tuned – we’ll be sure to share updates when our Polyphemus and Cecropia moths make their world debut!