It is Monarch Chrysalis Time

[Sycamore67]

We found 24 Monarch caterpillars and have been feeding them milkweed.  It is amazing how much they eat.  The caterpillars have now turn into chrysalis and now we must wait for the butterflies to emerge.

I think these maybe the super generation and will be heading south to Mexico.

We carefully remove the chrysalis from the enclosure and use thread to tie them to a cross bar.  

 

[Scrappile]

This is interesting,  Sad to say milkweed in not a good weed and I have been getting rid of it every chance I get.  I may have to rethink this.

[Sycamore67]

Monarchs require Milkweed for food.  It is about the only thing they eat.  The decline of Monarchs is due to the loss of Milkweed.

[rafairchild2]

Sycamore67 is correct. One of the most significant factors in the decline of monarch butterflies is the loss of their breeding and overwintering habitats. Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants, which serve as the primary food source for their caterpillars. The conversion of natural habitats to agriculture and urban development has led to a reduction in milkweed availability.

Monarchs rely not only on milkweed but also on a variety of nectar plants for food. The loss of wildflower meadows and native nectar sources can impact their ability to find food during their migration.

This is why I planted a wildflower garden in my backyard. 

[Dan]

Although still a bit weedy, butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, is great for a small garden. Last year we had many caterpillars munching away at them. It is a much smaller milkweed that only get 2 to 3 feet tall. The bright orange flowers are pretty too. 

[Dan]

Butterfly weed is also easy to grow from seed. You can place the seeds in a glass of water and in a few days they will begin sprouting. Put the sprouts in moist soil and the will surely grow. Great for kids that lack patience. 

[Sycamore67]

The Monarch Butterflies like several different flowers including Butterfly weed, Zinnia, Butterfly bush and others.  We have these planted all around.  The Monarchs lay their eggs on Milkweed and the caterpillars feed on the Milkweed..

[Sycamore67]

We bad a couple of the chrysalis turn black overnight.  This means the Butterflies will emerge in a day or so.

 

[jerry walters]

Keep us informed.

Jerry

[Sycamore67]

The first Monarch emerged from the chrysalis.  Com the first picture is just after he emerged and wings still folded.  The second as his wings are out and drying and stretching.  We will take him outside to release in a bit.

[Scrappile]

Very cool, thanks for sharing.

Edited September 10, 2023 by Scrappile

[jerry walters]

amazing, thanks for sharing.

[danny]

I have ALWAYS LOVED Butterflys.  Beautiful Creatures.  Thanks for the Lesson.

I want to plant the right plants in the spring.   Lets All Do It.    Danny  :+}

[Sycamore67]

We have had two emerge today and flutter away.  They were both female Monarchs.

Edited September 11, 2023 by Sycamore67

[Gonzo]

What a fun thread. How do you know they are females? ( I know, I just opened myself to a smart ass remark from Scrappile or Octoolguy. )

[Sycamore67]

There are markings on the wings that let you know male or female.

[Sycamore67]

One more picture.   This is the chrysalis shortly before the Monarch emerges.   It becomes black and semi-transparent.  All of the sudden, the Monarch bursts out.

[TAIrving]

Very nice!  Thanks for the pictures.  

[meflick]

Thanks for sharing and educating us on the monarch butterflies