A very, very crinkly monarch butterfly that JUST crawled out of her chrysalis, literally right as I got outta bed.
A monarch butterfly being very temporarily held. Their bodies are also covered in white spots, apparently, and only 4 legs are actually visible.
Another view, there's no spot on the hindwings so it's likely a female. Also, her wings are fully extended now, but very very soft still.
Now hanging on a paper towel ledge back inside the net enclosure, much safer than the plastic roof or my hand.
I'm a parent now...... (only handled to move her to a better ledge than the smooth plastic roof of the enclosure)
I'm so proud of myself and her omg
#bugs #bugsky #inverts #invertsky #monarchbutterfly #bughusbandry #firsttimemonarchparentyippee