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Third Monarch Chrysalis

Been checking the second Monarch chrysalis daily since finding it October 16, 2017.

New Chrysalis

Monarch Chrysalis Attached to an Angel Wing Begonia Leaf

Today when I was removing unwanted cabbage moth caterpillars from one of my variegated Brugmansia, I found another Monarch chrysalis. It may be newly formed since it still has its skin attached.

Third Chrysalis

Monarch Chrysalis Attached to Variegated Brugmansia Leaf
Morning October 19, 2017

I have yet to see the full transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis. There is a fun video of the transformation on the Monarch Butterfly Garden site. It is amazing to watch!

Yes, the Brug has spider mites. Everything loves Brugs. When I am certain the Monarchs have continued on their journey, I can treat the Brugs.


Datura, Pods, and a New Chrysalis

Two Datura–different foliage, different flowers, and different seed pods.

Datura Purple

Datura Ballerina Double Purple

Datura Purple

Datura Ballerina Double Purple, October 18, 2017

Datura Purple Pod

Datura Ballerina Double Purple Seed Pod

Datura Volunteer

Volunteer Datura

Datura Volunteer

Volunteer Datura, October 18, 2017

Datura Volunteer

Volunteer Datura With Seed Pod

Datura Volunteer

Volunteer Datura Pod

Datura Volunteer

Volunteer Datura Seed Pod

Found a New Monarch Chyrsalis

New Chrysalis

Monarch Chrysalis Attached to an Angel Wing Begonia Leaf


Monarch Butterfly Emerged!

Butterfly

The Monarch butterfly remained in the courtyard until nearly 6:00 pm. The last sighting, it was in the top of the Mimosa. Earlier in the day a Monarch butterfly flew through the courtyard. Hope that they found each other and will continue on their journey together.

The chrysalis was attached to a leaf of a potted Brugmansia. I broke off the leaf to get a better look at the empty chrysalis.

Empty Chrysalis

When I was looking at the numerous spider mites, I also noticed a clear caterpillar with a dark head. Altered the image to see the detail a bit more.

Monarch Caterpillar

I am surprised that any of my photos are in focus. Had my eyes dilated during my eye exam yesterday morning.

If it is a Monarch in the early stages, it will be hungry. I placed the Brug leaf in a plastic shoe box with fresh cut milkweed leaves for a snack.

Monarch Caterpillar

The Brugmansia is infested with spider mites. Waiting to give the Brug systemic until the Monarchs are gone. There are 5 additional Monarch caterpillars that have gone missing. Not all will successfully become a chrysalis and transform to become a lovely butterfly. That is one of the reasons why it was so important to see the butterfly emerge.

Brug in Pot

When I am certain they are gone, I will remove all of the leaves, and maybe cut it back as well, before giving it systemic.

Chrysalis


Monarch Chrysalis Update

Several articles stated that Monarchs typically emerge from their chrysalis in 10-14 days. The chrysalis was formed on September 26, 2017.

Patiently waiting…

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Caterpillar, Morning, September 26, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Caterpillar as Chrysalis, 4 hours later, September 26, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Morning, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Morning, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 1:30, October 12, 2017
Orange on wings can now be seen.

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 2:10, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 2:30, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 2:45, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 3:00, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 3:30, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 4:30, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 4:30, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 5:00, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 5:00, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 5:00, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Evening 6:00, October 12, 2017

Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch Chrysalis, Evening 6:00, October 12, 2017

Unfortunately it has been a bit windy and the chrysalis bobs about. Definitely difficult to take a clear image with the iPad.

It does not appear the butterfly will emerge today.


Amazingly Beautiful Naturally Occurring Bronze Patina

Now I know how to achieve gorgeous textural surfaces on bronze. You must submerge the piece in the ocean for centuries!

Bronze Antikythera Shipwreck Arm

When I saw the images of the bronze arm found during the archaeological expedition of the Antikythera Shipwreck, it reminded me of my research to create thick textural surfaces on bronze.

Detail

Antikythera Shipwreck Expedition, Detail of the Hand

I buried my bronze pieces with sodium mixtures and chemicals. I applied chemicals to my pieces and then set them on fire. I saturated burlap with chemicals, wrapped it around my pieces, then enclosed work in a plastic container. I applied low-fire ceramic glazes to bronze pieces and then fired them. And I did a combination.

Bronze Bowl Detail

This is a detail of a little bronze bowl that was bound with wire.
I applied Egyptian paste, low-fire glazes, and the lot was fired hot enough for
paste and glaze to mature, but not hot enough for the bronze and steel wire to become molten.

Egyptian paste is a self-glazing clay body. I have used it in a variety of ways, even as a self-glazing spackle when something needs to be filled.

Egyptian Past Vessel

Hardware cloth formed into a vessel and held in place with nails. Egyptian paste was applied and the lot was fired. The pink color is the result of the addition of red iron oxide added to the paste dry batch.


Post of Eroded Contours
My series that combined ceramic and bronze processes.



Antikythera Shipwreck Excavation

It appears that the Antikythera Shipwreck excavation photos I used in my post were taken by Brett Seymour/EUA/ARGO.

Found: A Giant Bronze Arm From the Antikythera Shipwreck

Antikythera shipwreck yields statue pieces and mystery bronze disc

Greece Ministry of Culture and Sports