It’s been a bit cooler and more overcast this past week, which I think had something to do with my first Julia butterfly emerging after 3:30 p.m. yesterday when the sun was up. I am thankful this beauty decided to emerge in the afternoon, as I stuck my head out on the porch at the exact right time . . . the legs were pushing through the chrysalis.

I first brought Julia butterfly eggs home on Nov. 19, with the eggs hatching on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13. This butterfly created its chrysalis on Dec. 7 and emerged on Dec. 18.

I let it rest in the enclosure last night since it did not move away from its chrysalis. The temperature is still a bit cool this morning. I brought it out into the garden on my finger and it did not budge, so I brought the Julia back into the enclosure and will try again when the sun is high and the temps warm up a little. Stay tuned, I may have more photos later.