Front Porch Cocoon

GUYS.  This happened.  On my front porch.  I noticed this gorgeous caterpillar several weeks ago munching away at a Love’n’Fresh cut flower I had set out by my front door.  I marveled at the gorgeous yellow and black pattern that stripped her back, photographed her and then almost forgot all about it.

And then I noticed that she turned brown.  I honestly thought she died!

Then I consulted a dear friend who has a google-like expanse of nature-related knowledge and she told me that’s a black swallow tail butterfly cocoon.  Even though I knew this was going to happen, I still marveled (once again) at how incredible this world is.  Look at this gorgeous butterfly!
Here’s a good shot of how you can see this is all taking place on my FRONT PORCH!! See the cocoon in the background?  AMAZING. As I was taking these macro photographs I think my shutter was annoying her because suddenly she took off and flew across my face, out from under the porch and then safely landed in my front garden on this Harmony Bamboo.
Don’t worry, I kept taking photos like a proud parent.  Haha.

It was an incredible experience that really inspired me!  I hope it inspires you too.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
― Rachel Carson