A sixteen-year-old Tumblr user (oddity-txt) was on his way to class when he spotted a caterpillar. He decided to keep the larva to ensure its safety as many people step on all sorts of things without even knowing it, and called it Chicken Nugget. The teen carefully housed the caterpillar in a jar with sticks and leaves. Upon further research, he discovered that his new friend was a spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus), a type of butterfly usually found in natural areas and flower gardens. He watched the insect change colors and turn into a chrysalis in a matter of days. Posts of the swallowtail have since gone viral. Although there are some that will squirm at anything that crawls, many viewers have described the caterpillar and the relationship as “cute.” Following its journey through photos on Tumblr, some folks even got emotional, especially when it came time to let Chicken Nugget fly free. Check out photos of Chicken Nugget below for a reminder of the beauty of nature and the special bonds we can form if we only stop to look.You never know who you’re going to meet. A sixteen-year-old from Georgia met this caterpillar while on his way to class. He named him Chicken Nugget.
To keep it out of harm’s way, he decided to keep Chicken Nugget close. It wasn’t long before it became a mascot for “HL [biology] 7th period.” “So apparently, Chicken Nugget is a spicebush swallowtail,” he wrote. “And they turn yellow before they pupate.”
Oddity-txt filled a jar with some sticks and leaves for the bright colored larva.
“Chicken Nugget using those advanced tactics balancing,” he beamed. “My man doesn’t do anything halfway.”
“I put on some tunez for him so he can get into the metamorphazone,” he wrote.
“It was suspenseful and a little sad.” Oddity-txt expressed. He patiently waited to be reunited with his friend.
He must have felt antsy being apart from him but once he got home, he came face to face with this beautiful butterfly. Through his relationship with Chicken Nugget, this teen got an introductory lesson on parenting. They just grow up so fast, don’t they?
Thousands of people have liked and shared photos of Chicken Nugget. Someone even created an appreciation page. Isn’t it a relief to know that some teens are spending their free time to create special bonds like this?
**Before you go, check out this clip of oddity-txt letting go of his beloved friend. If that isn’t love, we don’t know what is.**