Did you know that caterpillars are not “transformed” into butterflies? In metamorphosis (the name of the process), a caterpillar is liquefied. Only after its actual death can entirely new creature, a butterfly, emerge!
But most people’s image of the process is more like Eric Carle’s classic children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, in which the little caterpillar “makes a cocoon around himself 
and goes to sleep, only to wake up a few weeks later wonderfully transformed into a butterfly!” (amazon.com)
The Very Dead Caterpillar would probably have sold fewer copies. But it would have been more accurate.
When I was a kid, I used to love going to La Mirada Creek and catching those pudgy little pre-frogs we called pollywogs (you may have known them as tadpoles). 
I would bring them home and dump them into a tub, and then watch with fascination as they shed their tails, sprouted legs, and crawled out like showroom models: “The new Frog!” That’s transformation (“change of form”) and it’s majorly cool. But it’s not what a caterpillar does.
A caterpillar dies.
After building its own coffin (cocoon), the caterpillar seals itself inside—and dissolves. And then, in a process only vaguely understood by scientists, that stew of free-floating genetic material undergoes a total metamorphosis (“change of nature”). 
In other words, butterflies are not souped-up caterpillars, they’re entirely new creations made from caterpillar soup!
Not surprisingly, caterpillars and butterflies are used as spiritual symbols in virtually every culture on earth. But because the real process is so radical and so little understood, they’re nearly always represented as symbols of transformation, rather than metamorphosis. To be fair, many religious teachings do help people become better caterpillars.
But that’s not enough.
According to Jesus, God doesn’t want souped-up caterpillars, he wants butterflies. He wants us to die to ourselves (Luke 9:23-24) and become completely “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Just like caterpillars do.
The Apostle Paul (in the Greek language of Romans 12:1 and 2) describes the process of metamorphosis like this:
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice (build your cocoon and get in!), holy (‘set apart’), acceptable to God (nothing short of metamorphosis can accomplish this)… Don’t be conformed by (don’t take on the ‘shape’ of) this world (or ‘age’ or ‘era’), but (instead) be metamorphosed (changed in your very nature) by the renewing (‘regenerating’ or ‘re-growing”) of your mind (incidentally, the Greek word for mind is psuche—the same as the Greek word for butterfly!) so that you may be discerning (only by being metamorphosed can you know) what is the will of God (as opposed to the will of a dark and broken world), what is good, well-pleasing, and perfect (‘complete’ or ‘whole’—in contrast to the incompleteness and brokenness of this world).”
Caterpillars and butterflies are the world’s most popular symbol of transformation. But they’re also a far more powerful and challenging metaphor than most people realize.
It’s still the beginning of a new year. What better time to start over, not just as “the new You!” but as a completely new creation!
Are you ready to start work on that cocoon?
This is beautiful! I had no idea that the change from caterpillar to butterfly was so radical
Your remark about the Very Dead Caterpillar made me laugh, though. You’re right, I’d likely never by a book with that title for my children.
Hi read Peace Child by Don Richardson you will be amazed. That’s one reason I found this wonderful sight. Before these headhunters were given the gospel they cried out for this kind of miracle and they knew caterpillars died and became butterflies.
The caterpillar doesn’t die the brain and major organs remain and it remembers being a caterpillar
Here’s an overview of the process: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/caterpillar-butterfly-metamorphosis-explainer/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304200858.htm
This is the one about memory
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2013/05/14/3-d-scans-caterpillars-transforming-butterflies-metamorphosis/
This one has MRI scans of the organs changing and forming the butterfly
Yeah, and the sequel, The Beautiful Butterfly Made Out of Left-Over Goop from the Very Dead Caterpillar, probably wouldn’t sell that well either. ;>) Thanks, Heather!
This is really good, Mitch (as always)!
Did you post it on FB as well? I’d love to Share it.
Thank you, Matilda! I didn’t post the whole thing on Facebook (too long), but posted a link to it. You can do the same by clicking “Share This – Facebook” after the article above; it’ll allow you to add comments of your own, if you wish, too.
Just so you know, Mitch, I intend to use this. I’ll give you the credit, but it’s too good not to share.
I’m flattered, Jeff. Royalty fee is $100 per word, by the way, but I might go as low as $80. ;>)
Best blog post I’ve read anywhere for a long time. Well done!
Thank you, Patty! I’m honored.
Mitch, this is such an awesome illustration, packed full with truth! And I agree with Patty! Excellent… Thank you! Your writing is not only inspirational, but thought provoking and life changing. May the Lord continue to bless you as you follow this call. 🙂
So glad you found it inspiring, and grateful that you took the time to say so! May the Lord continue to bless and guide you, as well.
Excellent post! Excellent imagery! Very inspiring! I want nothing to do with that liquified caterpillar!
;>)
Would it be morbid of me to say this is beautiful? I love the application of “becoming new” as applied to Christianity. I have committed this idea to memory to share with my friends. Thanks Mitch!
Thank you! I’m honored.
To imply total death of the caterpillar is not quite true. Some cells remain alive and give rise to butterfly structures. Technically speaking, if all tissues of the caterpillar died, all you would get from that is decomposed caterpillar. As when Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit.” That grain of wheat does not technically die, or no new plant would grow. But we can appreciate the metaphor in both cases. Just saying…
Good point, Pam. There is certainly a spark of life in that soup, though I don’t think I’d say, therefore, that the caterpillar is still alive. (This is probably more semantic than scientific.) And, yes, Jesus’ seed metaphor is spot on.
Great story Mitch. Great clarification well told.
Thank you, Marty!
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Wow – controversy settled, and you put the icing on your informative piece with the amazing artwork! I’ve always been drawn to butterflies and their cousins (dragonflies) with their total transformation so much that my business reflects the logo. I look forward to reading more, and thanks for your visit and comment.
Thank you!
I’d like to repost this to my blog – thanks Mitch
I’d be honored, Phyllis.
Reblogged this on Anchors and Butterflies and commented:
Thanks mitchteemley, for the clarifying information. Who doesn’t love butterflies – and now we know (thanks Paul Harvey) “the rest of the story”.
Very cool! Great explanation! That’s why I am having butterflies on my books about transformation and liberation.
I think we play on the same team, huh? 😉
Sounds like it!
I have no doubt… lol!!! 😀
I didn’t know that!
Very few people do, lbeth (Elizabeth?). I didn’t until I looked it up a few years back for an entirely different message.
That’s it! Your words right out of like thinking. One of my goals is to speak to the movement of those attempting please God by living under The Law (i.e. Hebrew Roots). I am considering re-blogging this post in a day or two. Thanks for pointing out this truth in creation.
My privilege, Warren!
Reblogged this on Standing Up For Her and commented:
Good thoughts on what the “NEW” is all about…
I have believed for some time that God made butterflies just to prove evolution is impossible, and to give us a picture of being born again. Praise the Lord!
Not sure how butterflies disprove evolution, Priscilla, but I certainly agree that they are a powerful picture of being born again!
This video clip says it easier than I can http://youtu.be/AZk6nZGH9Xo
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Reblogged this on Mitch Teemley and commented:
The end of one year and beginning of another: Seems like an appropriate time to re-post this. Happy New You, dear friends!
Reblogged this on bliss for today.
Caterpillar soup- yum! 😉
Wonderful post, Mitch. This very verbose woman is almost…speechless. Thank you for this new, marvelous thought to chew on in 2016. God bless.:0)
You too, Joy!
Are you sure the soup inside the cocoon is dead? It is possible, it lives in some stage or another. Interesting facts. I love how you metamorphosed this story into Christ. Still -a gross thought.
http://www.fiddledeedeebooks.wordpress.com
Yep. It’s not rotting matter, of course, but the former creature no longer exists. Blessings!
Wonderful analogy– fun to fin your blog Mitch.
Thanks, Rhonda! Fun to be found. ;>)
Well, Mitch, I learned something here today!
Love this!! I’m speaking at a couple women’s events next month and I’m using the caterpillar to butterfly example to illustrate our new identity in Christ. This gives me some food for thought!!
Great, Megan. Hope the events go swimmingly!
Great post, Mitch. Who isn’t fascinated, one way or another, by metamorphosis? “In my end is my beginning.”
Or, as my 6 year old brother said (52 years ago) contemplating the frogs and the not-quite-frogs we’d reared, “Tadpoles must wonder.” Who doesn’t?
“Tadpoles must wonder.” Love it. A book waiting to be written. ;>)
Thank you for the insight. I always love to come here.
Delighted to hear that, Nanabanyin. Happy New Year!
This knocks the socks off awesome. Great insight Mitch. You inspire me.
So happy to hear that from a writer whose own insights I very much appreciate!
Reblogged this on blessedwifehappymom and commented:
This is an amazing post from mitchteemley.com.
Honored to be reblogged.
This is great! I thought I was following you! I am now.
Wonderful post. Thanks for visiting simplymeandjeans. Hope you enjoyed but I’m even more excited to follow your thoughts.
Reblogged this on Wingrove Group Blog and commented:
Let’s get busy than shall we….
;>)
Lovely …
This was a great post, I never knew that about the transformation. It’s amazing how nature works.
It is, isn’t it!
Very interesting information. Makes me want to pause and read. These days that is a luxury for me as I am recovering from a stroke. Your blog is enjoyable. Lolita
Thank you! Sorry to hear about your stroke. Hope your recovery is advancing quickly, Lolita.
I love caterpillars and butterflies! I once broke open a cocoon when I was a little girl to see what was “happening” on the inside. I was shocked to see that it was liquid. I thought maybe something went horribly wrong. And indeed something did go wrong; I broke it open because I am so overly curious. But it is an amazing metamorphosis that only God Himself can make happen.
Great insight on the distinction, Mitch! I appreciate you stopping by my blog, as well!
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so, if the caterpillar is completely gone, then replaced by the butterfly, is the consciousness of the caterpillar in the butterfly? Does the caterpillar know what happened? Does the butterfly? Or is it a completely new consciousness in the butterfly?
Are you speaking metaphorically? Because I doubt caterpillars or butterflies have anything we would call consciousness.
Sort of metaphorically. Well yes but then we don’t know, do we? Science has now decided that plants do know certain things (here comes the evil man again) and they do feel pain. Not consciousness I know. For the sake of illustration, let’s assume that within the 4 stages each one is a being, and each one has consciousness. Now apply the question please.
Well, you’ve moved from spiritual metaphor to animal biology. Death is no longer a symbol in your scenario, but literal physical death. Biology tells us that memories are the result of electro-chemical interactions between synapses. Since those components are destroyed when a caterpillar dies, the answer to your question would presumably be, “No.” Unless some other form of memory unknown to scientists (or at least to me) is in operation. Do you know of one?
I don’t think it has to move to biology, but if so then, consciousness does not survive? It would seem so. The biology then applied to humans would be: 1. fertilized egg 2. baby 3. birth—growth/adult 4. death/grave? If it is taken as as analogy then what?
If you’re asking whether humans possess consciousness throughout all of those stages, my response would be: 1) Egg–who knows; 2) baby–in rudimentary form; 3) birth through adulthood–yes; 4) as an immortal soul in a spiritual body (non-material life form)–yes.
(1 Corinthians 15:44).
P.S. I posted a series of photos on a locust emerging from its pupa. You might want to check it out:
The Locust, Butterflies, and Birth, on lehansen.blog.
Took a look. Handsome fellow.
This came up on my phone today Mitch, don’t know if you re-blogged it? An amazing revelation and one that gave me plenty of food for thought. Thanks for all the insights x
No, I didn’t, but it’s kind of taken on a life of its own lately (which is very cool). Thanks, Carol!
Caterpillars do not die; they digest themselves, except for the tiny butterfly parts which are fed by the protein rich soup of melted caterpillar parts. For the facts, see: http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/14/3-d-scans-caterpillars-transforming-butterflies-metamorphosis/
I did not know that. Miraculous.
What an amazing explanation. Thank you!
Amazing new information for me with the symbolism to spiritual death and new life in Christ. Love it.
Reblogged this on CROSSROMAN.
Hi Mitch,
I only recently learned this fact about Caterpillars and Butterflies and now here I have the benefit of your eloquent explanation and scripturally sound analogy.
Simply brilliant. Thank you!
Thank you, Everest!
Hey Mitch,
Just a quick note. I am new to this and learning on the fly. I really appreciate your looking at my stuff. Maybe, one day, if will have some meaning.
Thank you
John Wilsion
I feel enlightened, thank you Mitch. I’m in a soup.
Ria
Fly, Ria, fly!
Not entirely correct. The caterpillar digests its flesh and turns it into a soup-like liquid – except for what are called “imaginal discs” – which are clumps of cells that developed in the caterpillar before the caterpillar itself hatched and that basically form the genetic blueprint for everything that the butterfly will be – eyes, wings, legs, etc. When the caterpillar digests itself and dissolves its flesh, it doesn’t dissolve the imaginal discs. They remain, and they are the “engine” so to speak that sparks the transformation of what’s left into a butterfly. So the caterpillar doesn’t entirely shed everything that’s part of its old nature. The imaginal discs were always there and the caterpillar is transformed into what they point to. Similarly, the image of God is within us (it’s part of us) but we have to be transformed perfectly into that image.
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Suddenly, dying to myself seems like a good idea.
Well said. Thank you for liking my blog as well. Hoping that iron will sharpen iron.
Ditto, Steve!
Beautiful.
I appreciate your always positive message Mitch.
Forrest
Food for thought! What an amazing phenomenon.
Very cool. Never heard that before! God bless!
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We allowed our insistent milkweed plants to have a home at the corner of our Michigan cabin, because I Love Monarchs! This year, I spied a chrysalis, but when I saw it again, it was already abandoned! 😉 I have found many “cats” on the leaves, but so hope to see one in “action”. I didn’t know this about the so-called transformation. I only have always wondered, with heart-felt praise, at God’s amazing creative powers, and His perfect way to illustrate our own changing from mortality into immortality!
Blessings!
Blessings on you too, Mid!
Awesome! Loved it! 😀
Your ideas are more than an explanation. It is inspirational. Thank you. And may you appreciate God’s blessings every day.
Thank you, Cindy. You too!
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Ready set grow!
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Reblogged this on The Focused Heart and commented:
2018 holds so much in store. This post by Mitch Teemly fits right in with the recurring themes so far. It’s time for something new. Let’s do this!
Honored, Joy.
You’re welcome!
remember the year 4543
Poor runny caterpillar! But a great post. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to following.
Good to meet you, Angie!
Reblogged this on après-pensées.
Just now saw this. Honored, my friend.
Best Wishes, my friend!
Thank you for stopping by Garment of Praise. Loved this post!!
My pleasure. And thank you, Judith!
I had no idea! And pollywogs to us were those helicopter seeds that swirl-fall to the ground!
Really? Funny how colloquialisms can have entirely different meanings from one place to another.
totally
That explains a lot! I remember squishing a cocoon once, by accident of course, and being astonished that there was nothing in it but this liquefied goo in there. I may have been too busy at the time with little ones to question it beyond that, but not so much that it’s relegated place in my mind triggered it’s reemergence upon reading your post. So there it was dormant all these years. We are indeed splendidly made. Thanks for the explanation and what a good way to illustrate a Christian’s transformation. Well done!
Thank you, Jolie.
Mitch, I loved this post! Wow! I have to share this.
Okay, so I laugh-snorted at “The Very Dead Caterpillar would probably have sold fewer copies.”
Mitch
I really liked this. Made me think about what we say we’re committing to but don’t really realize the depth of what is expected of us.
Memento mori
Thank you, Doug.
Thank you for visiting ‘ComeFlywithme’ and for following – I appreciate the connection and very much look forward to reading more of your posts.
Likewise, Marie.
What!? I can’t believe it! I have to THINK about THIS!
Brilliant! Love your posts!
Thank you, Lydia.
Home run, Mitch. Very interesting.
And a brother in Christ to boot! What a scintillating read, I smiled through it all! Really, it was that bowl of yummy looking Thai soup that took this post to another level. I live for the stuff 😉
;>) I confess, I didn’t know it was Thai soup (though I do like Thai food).
Funny….”The Very Dead Caterpillar” and all the “soup” comments. Funny and informative!
The next thing you’ll probably do is tell us that there is no Santa Claus!
Funny you should mention that…
You have a great blog. Would you like to share your story on “What You Blog About”
what motivated you to start this blog ?
Thank you! When and what would that entail? (I’m in pre-production on a feature film, so my time is limited at the moment.)
Thank you for your interest. “What You Blog About” is a way for bloggers to showcase their blog and share their stories with others. You can submit your story on this page: https://whatyoublogabout.com/contact/
I just learned recently about the caterpillar’s turning into liquid first, and it is mind-blowing. (Evolution? Lol.) I guess that also explains why frogs aren’t used as symbols of new life, besides not being as pretty as butterflies. 😉
;>)
I’ve read plenty of illustrations. But this is simply an amazing article. Beautiful and very simple to understand.
God bless you so much for sharing your gift with us.
Thank you, Oluwatosin, you too!
I learned something today. Thank you.
My pleasure, Connie.
Reblogged this on Wag 'n Bietjie.
I did not know that about the caterpillar. Great post!
This was an great analogy. I never knew this about caterpillars and butterflies, but it really does help to explain the process of being “born again” for Christians. Thanks so much for this insightful post. Even though I already understood the concept, it was like learning it all over again in a fresh new light. 🙂
So glad it spoke to you, April.
Reblogged this on Universal.Hope.And.Life.
You have a lot of great insights and creative ways to express faith. Thank you so much. Thanks too for visiting my site.
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“The Very Dead Caterpillar would probably have sold fewer copies. But it would have been more accurate.” – This made me laugh out loud. Fantastic post!
Thank you, Jordan!
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I learned something by reading this. The concept is mind-blowing… XO
Butterfly and soul are the same Greek word? What.
Amazing. I just learned this recently myself. Such a good analogy.
I think a lot of people want to make a few changes to themselves – become the “new and improved me” – when they need to DIE to self and become a “brand new me.”.
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I can see why this post resonated with so many readers. The metaphor is very powerful. (I remember learning about monarch butterflies in elementary school, but I don’t remember anything about caterpillar death. I don’t know if the teacher glossed over that part or if it just didn’t register.)
Caterpillers do not die in making butterflies. The brain is still the same some structures stay while others are turned to liquid .
Some scientists argue about whether it qualifies as death per se, since some cells are retained in the liquification stage. But all agree that it is a complete metamorphosis, not a transformation (as with a tadpole becoming a frog), the creation of an entirely new creature.
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Simple and yet so true! To me it had always been birds or anything that can fly when i was a kid. The word ”set free” was my spiritual thrive without realizing the depth of its meaning. Butterflies are wonderful creatures. Reading your this post, reminds me of something i wrote about 5 years ago. Gotta dig through my dropbox. Lets all be caterpillars 😉
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As Johnny Carson used to say, “I did not know that!”
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I love your paraphrase of Romans 12:1-2.
Thank you, Manette.
Wow! This is actually pretty cool! I never realized this about caterpillars, but it does indeed put more meaning into the butterfly being used as a symbol of what Christ does in our life. Thank-you for highlighting this post. ^_^
My pleasure.
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