From the Butterfly Eclosure File

Here are a few more photos from the recently observed monarch (Danaus plexippus) eclosure.  The butterfly emerged from its pupa on Feb 12; early the next morning the new butterfly is found hanging under the leaf right where we parted company the previous afternoon. 

Underneath on the next leaf down is a spot of meconium. 

Once the butterfly began to warm up in the spreading sunlight it began to climb, first by pulling itself up to the top side of its overnight leaf.  Just a bit later it pauses on the leaf and spreads its wings to their full and glorious extent. 

 Then the butterfly resumed its climb up the phlomis stem.