Monarch Butterflies

[Sycamore67]

Every year we search for Monarch Caterpillars.  Last year, we did not find any and were discouraged.  I ave a two acre yard and we have several areas of milkweed which is what Monarchs eat.  We had not found any this year until yesterday and now have 7 caterpillars. We have cages set up for them and feed them milkweed leaves.

I think the hot weather is not good for them and they like it 60-90 F.  It has been cooler the last several day and they are very active.

One caterpillar has attached itself to the top of the cage in a "J" and will form a chrysalis soon.

 

 

[OCtoolguy]

We are in an area that is seeing a tremendous increase of Monarchs this year. I was worried because we had very few the last couple of years. 

[Gene Howe]

On 8/28/2023 at 9:07 AM, OCtoolguy said:

We are in an area that is seeing a tremendous increase of Monarchs this year. I was worried because we had very few the last couple of years. 

Don't monarchs migrate? There's a canyon in far south AZ where they gather on their way to Mexico. It's quite a sight if your lucky enough to be there when they are.

[Sycamore67]

I found this information..

"The group living east of the Rocky Mountains migrates south to spend the winter in Mexico. Those living west of the Rockies migrate to the coast of central and southern California."

I now have about 14 Monarch caterpillars.  Four of them formed their chrysalis yesterday and the rest are very busy eating milkweed leaves.

I am wondering if my Monarchs are the Super ones that start the migration south.  I watch the progress of migration on the Journey North website.