After wiggling out of its old skin, the caterpillar then rubs off its FACE MASK. Even the face mask has become too small. The most amazing part is when the caterpillar turns around and EATS its own skin. Just like the eggshell that it ate for breakfast, the old skin is filled with vitamins to help our caterpillar grow big and strong. Kids love to collect the skins and face masks as the caterpillars grows. You can easily tape them onto a piece of paper for your science collection. Show all your friends! PHOTOS: [...]

“Plant MILKWEED ~ and they will come!” Raising monarchs take LOTS of love, LOTS of dedication…and LOTS OF MILKWEED! PHOTO: Regina Ray PHOTO: Steven Munafo via Monarch Joint Venture PHOTO: Will Cook via CarolinaNature.com

Do you shed your skin? You might say, “Of course not. I’m NOT a caterpillar, I’m a human being,” – but think again. Humans DO shed their skin every day as dry flaky skin sheds or peels off and new skin cells grow. Think of how your skin peels after a sunburn. Other creatures shed their skin, too! Can you think of a creature that outgrows their entire skin and molts? Take a look at this SNAKESKIN! WOW…that’s shedding!

This is a very RARE Black and White caterpillar, posted graciously to Facebook by Heidi Aviles Nieves ~ Thank you for Sharing! As you can see, the adult monarch reverts to normal coloration. This example was found in Puerto Rico. …munch…munch…crunch…munch…Munch!