Over the course of three weeks, as a component of the Science Ecosystems unit, Year 7 Mount Carmel pupils had first hand experience of the metamorphosis that takes place as part of the life cycle of a butterfly.
In pairs, pupils cared for a butterfly from the larval, caterpillar stage, until they formed a chrysalis. Pupils then transferred the chrysalis to a special habitat net, until they emerged as butterflies 7-10 days later. All the butterflies are Vanessa cardui, commonly known as a painted lady.
During their Science lessons Year 7 classes gathered together in the Eco Garden to enjoy the release of their butterflies. There are lots of wildflowers in the Eco Garden, which provides a great habitat for butterflies. Some butterflies flew away immediately, while others happily rested on pupils, feeding on the oranges.
