This morning we discovered one of the caterpillars up at the top of the butterfly habitat, hunched up and not as vibrantly green as previously. We were afraid he was dying! By this afternoon, we found that he had simply formed a chrysalis.
According to our research, he should emerge in 2-3 weeks. This link has a very interesting slide show of the entire metamorphosis.
The kitties have been playing with their food lately...traumatizing small rodents, then leaving them under the veranda with the rodent form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This morning, Kali discovered Ernie tormenting a chipmunk. This afternoon, she found it under the veranda, doing deep breathing exercises, and chased it out. L reached out to grab and save it before I could stop her. The bugger immediately latched onto her little finger and wouldn't let go for several seconds.
Luckily my research shows that rodents rarely carry rabies, and since it was captured by our immunized cats, we shouldn't have to worry about that. The bite did break the skin, however, and it is very near her finger joint, so she will be starting on antibiotics tonight to ward off infection.
There is never, I repeat NEVER a dull moment up here on the ridge!
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