Besides woodworking, I enjoy working in the yard and have grown flower beds to attract Hummingbirds and Monarch Butterflies. We have planted Milkweed in several places and protected it from cutting or spraying as it is the only plant that Monarchs eat and lay eggs.
This is one plant that we had which was being eaten by the Monarch larva.
We watched it munch away on the plant for several days and then it disappeared. However, we found the Chrysalis in a nearby location.
We moved it into a terrarium to watch it and see if we would see the butterfly emerge.
After this it was time to wait. About a week or so later, the Chrysalis turned black and the butterfly emerged.
We let it rest for awhile and took it outside where it spread its wings and soon took off.
We think that this one may be the super generation which flies to Mexico for the winter. It is astounding that a Monarch Butterfly can make it that entire distance. Currently, the Monarchs have started the migration from the northern states and working their way south. If you live in the Eastern US, you can look for them as you may be able to see large groups of them especially in the early evening as they find a place to roost over night.
This is one plant that we had which was being eaten by the Monarch larva.
We watched it munch away on the plant for several days and then it disappeared. However, we found the Chrysalis in a nearby location.
We moved it into a terrarium to watch it and see if we would see the butterfly emerge.
After this it was time to wait. About a week or so later, the Chrysalis turned black and the butterfly emerged.
We let it rest for awhile and took it outside where it spread its wings and soon took off.
We think that this one may be the super generation which flies to Mexico for the winter. It is astounding that a Monarch Butterfly can make it that entire distance. Currently, the Monarchs have started the migration from the northern states and working their way south. If you live in the Eastern US, you can look for them as you may be able to see large groups of them especially in the early evening as they find a place to roost over night.