About two months ago I noticed a Monarch chrysalis attached to my drip irrigation tubing next to wear I sit every morning in the front patio. Below is a photo of a different one I took at some time in the past.
About 5 days ago I noticed the pretty green color of the chrysalis was darkening and I knew that soon the butterfly would be emerging. This morning I saw the chrysalis was very dark and I could see the coloring of the Monarchs wings through the chrysalis. This was a signal to me that the butterfly would likely emerge very soon.
Perhaps an hour after I took this photo I returned. I missed the actual re-birth. The Monarch's wings are still somewhat scrunched up though.
Thirty minutes later the wings were filling out more and the butterfly was drying them in the warm sun. Soon this little guy will be off exploring.