Growing butterflies

We found some catterpillars at the end of the summer and put them in a jar with fresh nettles each few days. We enjoyed watching them grow and build cocoons. Then we kept checking them to see when they would emerge.

A few weeks ago, all three emerged as small tortoiseshell butterflies. This should be a time of joy as we watch them fly across the flower-filled meadows to take part in the great circle of life. However, ours emerged to a distinctly cold spell at the end of October.

I think they are now hibernating in the shed. At least I hope they are.