By Janna Arafa, RTR Reflection Winner & Al-Mamoor School Sophomore
The little caterpillar I found was tiny and fragile when it came to my hand. Over the next 3 weeks, I cared for it as it grew. I made sure it had enough milkweed to eat, kept its environment clean, provided good air circulation, and maintained a balanced day-night cycle. These tasks were important for the caterpillar's safety. My baby brother was fascinated when he saw the caterpillars eating and moving around, and he decided to name them Dancy and Chunky. Dancy earned its name by dancing in its container, while Chunky was named for being bigger and chunkier. As the days passed, they eventually transformed into beautiful butterflies.
Before Dancy and Chunky could become butterflies, I faced challenges to ensure their safety as they were fragile creatures. I approached each task with responsibility and care, making sure they were not endangered. At night, I kept them in a dark room and ensured they had light at sunrise. During the day, my baby brother kept them company everywhere he went, taking them to play, watch TV, and even eat with him. I also proudly showed them to friends, and kids, and even used them to teach at a summer camp.
As Dancy and Chunky grew, reaching the 5th instar, I moved them into a mesh cage. However, I found Chunky in a J-hang position before forming a chrysalis, and I feared for her well-being. I carefully relocated her, but the process was tough. Chunky ended up in an unbalanced and frightened state. A few moments later Chunky was halfway into a chrysalis on the mesh cage ground, and not hung. I spent hours and then days waiting, but as time passed, it became clear that hope was decreasing for Chunky. While Dancy was thriving, Chunky’s condition steadily declined with no hope.
This experience made me realize the fragility and preciousness of life. Dancy was the only survivor and formed a beautiful chrysalis. While Chunky was fighting to survive halfway into her chrysalis, she did become a half butterfly, showing the real beauty of life. I observed the intricate changes in nature as the caterpillars transformed. It made me realize that patience and care can turn anything into something magnificent.
Despite the low survival rate of 2-10% in nature, the monarch butterflies will thrive. Witnessing the growth of the monarch butterfly was a reminder of the beauty of life and its adaptation to nature. Dancy eventually turned into a butterfly and was released into the wild, where she could pollinate nature and spread her wings.
Stay tuned for more RTR Student Reflections on the Monarch Moments blog!
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