Butterflies in Space Experiment, PLady, Flight, 11-19-09, BioServe

The "Butterflies in Space" experiment by BioServe Space Technologies at the University of Colorado. This experiment was made possible through the support of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) and the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). Larvae and technical assistance provided by Monarch Watch, Butterfly Pavilion, and Clearwater Butterfly.

Success!! The struggling Painted Lady from yesterday has apparently been able to grasp a wall and free itself of its molt. All 4 larva are currently chowing down as they prepare to pupate in a few days. They are growing normally and seem to be adapting to zero-gravity very well. You can also start to see the habitat getting dirty with their droppings. Without gravity, they float around until they find something to attach to. Unfortunately, they seem to be clinging to the window. It should be interesting to see what happens in the coming days.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Butterflies
• in
• space
• ISS
• Monarch
• BioServe
• Space
• Technologies
• University
• of
• Colorado
• STS-129
• watch
• NSBRI
• Clearwater
• Butterfly
• Pavilion
• Baylor
• College
• Medicine
• larvae
• butterfly
• painted
• lady