When I went out to check these...
and this....
and this
I finally have caterpillars! I have been watching and waiting, and here they are.
I know very little about Monarchs, so thought I would do some research and found some really interesting information. I knew they laid eggs on Milkweed, but I didn't know why:
"Monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweeds. Milkweeds contain a potent heart poison, which helps to protect them from browsing animals and leaf-eating insects such grasshoppers. Monarchs are able to store this poison within their own bodies, making themselves poisonous in turn. They are very brightly colored, both as a caterpillar and as an adult, to advertise that they are not good to eat. "
I also found a really neat site called Monarch Watch. There is a very interesting post done on July 18th titled
I also found a really neat site called Monarch Watch. There is a very interesting post done on July 18th titled
"Where are the Monarchs."
You can find the site here.
My pictures are not very good, I think I was getting too close. I could stand and watch them forever, and they didn't seem to mind one bit. They were way too busy preparing for the magical transformation that awaits them.
You can find the site here.
My pictures are not very good, I think I was getting too close. I could stand and watch them forever, and they didn't seem to mind one bit. They were way too busy preparing for the magical transformation that awaits them.
13 comments:
Congratulations girl!! Looks like you are going to have bunches of beauties!
I hope so--I love to think I helped these little miracles along their merry way!
This is SO EXCITING!! Keep us updated on their progress, please.
Yeah for the caterpillars! Now snatch one up, put it in a shoebox or jar with a piece of screen over it, some of the food you found it on and a stick and watch metamorphosis. Make sure you replenish the food. It will turn into a chyrsalis within days when it is at this stage. I did this a few weeks ago and posted about it. So easy and special. Try it and let us know how it goes.
jj--I will..if I can keep up with them! :)
Tina--I will try that. So, for food, do you mean more leaves of the milkweed? How exciting!
Very cool congratulations. I am still waiting for gulf fritilaries. Wish me luck.
Yes, whatever you find the caterpillar on make sure it has fresh leaves of the same in the container you place it in. Check daily. I posted on mine under butterflies last week. It turned into a chrysalis in about 3 days. You'll know when because it will slow down its eating and the color of the caterpillar will change. Then next thing you know there is the chyrsalis then you just wait. Mine attached itself to the side of the jar. Ten days later I had a beautiful swallowtail. Try it as it will not harm the caterpillar, at least not in my experiences. Of course I release the butterfly after I photograph it.
Debbi--good luck! I will look forward to a post on your success!
Tina--Ok--I just need to a container. Wish I still had the kid's bug box!
I saw your post--great idea. Thanks for sharing it!
Congratulations of your monarch caterpillars! You are going to have alot of winged beauties!
That's a mighty fine crop of caterpillars you have there! Here's to a bounty of butterflies flitting about soon!
pgl--I hope I get to see them before they head off!
Cindy--thanks! Here's to the butterflies--may they have a safe flight to their new destinations!
Hey!!!! Where did you get the caterpillar seeds from (LOL)? Looks like you have a bumper crop.
mr--tee-hee, that's funny! No seeds for these guys!
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