Last weekend as the townhome residents frolicked in the sudden summer warmth we began to notice caterpillars. One after another we called out, “Look at this one!” “Here’s another!” as they humped their way across the grass. All Sunday this continued. I identified one using my phone and verified it later as the spiky, plump larva of the mourning cloak butterfly, Montana’s state insect. Black, with deep red spots along its back, and alarming barbs warning off predators and humans.
Monday about 2 pm Taylor sent me an image of one hanging from her cucumber trellis. By 6 pm it had fully pupated into its chrysalis! Everyone was out on the lawn discussing the incredible speed of this transformation when Liv wanted to know, “What is this thing in my boot?” She’d left one of her Doc Martens outside and…now it had become a butterfly nursery. The little creature had attached itself to the underside of the tongue. “These are my favorite boots!” she lamented, but left the chrysalis there. We found another on the inside of DR’s storage unit doorknob and another hung from to Austin & Liv’s siding.
Truly, this is a magical time in the townhomes. Our iris and lilies are blooming, a hatch of petunias in hanging baskets has appeared in front of each door,1 garden hose season has begun. Cedar edging has been deployed along the front plot which I call Dirty Corner and the vinca in my alley flower boxes is threatening to overtake the knapweed crop out there. As for the residents, we’ve taken to late evening chats in the grassy central space, sharing food, telling stories.2 It’s become a pleasant place to dwell.
I believe the caterpillars knew this courtyard as a safe, nurturing place. When they began their wander, the phase 24-48 hours prior to wrapping themselves, they sensed the positive energy of our plants and our humans. Once the mourning cloak butterflies emerge from their transformative sleep, they will live for several months.3 I know they’ll depart right away, but I’m hopeful the first moments of their new lives will be filled with sustenance and beauty they’ll find in our courtyard.
It was me. I made the hanging baskets.
even though I’m the townhouse mom and I usually have to go to bed mid-chat.
One of the longest life spans of a butterfly!
I meant to write lovely, but lively works too.
Congratulations on making a village for your community. It sounds lively.