This healthy looking little guy was chowing down on the Milkweed when I discovered him this afternoon. so far, he is the only one I see, tho the other Milkweed plants have some holes and sections missing... maybe the cats are just really good at hiding!
They ARE really good at hiding! I brought in 6 caterpillars from the first wave of eggs. I looked EVERYWHERE for them. Under leaves, on stalks, on other plants... everywhere. About 2 days later I went back out and found 4 more. Sneaky little guys!
Lol. I was sure I checked every inch of the plants. Wonder where they go to hide??
No clue unless they go down to the ground. It's a mystery ;)
Well did you see them mature?
no unfortunately... they never reappeared. Im thinking a bird git them... there are many around here :(
Get a cage for them. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. And just bring 1-2 in if that's all you can fit. They are SO much fun to watch!
I founf that a lrage Mason jar with the round metal lid removed (and mesh/screen applied) works great!
was thinking that next time, I might stake around the plants with some bird netting to see if that helps.
A friend put a plant stake up and draped a netting over the plant. It does help, also keeps more eggs from being laid on the plant.
I look every day and nothing. Today I brought in 4 and one looks to be in the last instar. Holy cow, how did I miss THAT one.
Oooo.. I want a Monarch cat!! I am going to have to keep looking.
do they only lay eggs for a certain time period? or do they continue all thru the summer?
I don't know about down there, but it's prime egg time here. I can't recall when the last egg is laid. Don't some monarchs overwinter in Florida?
I am not sure about FL, but here in TX the last ones born in late October that migrate to Mexico do not lay eggs. Their reproductive system is not active until they begin to start the return trip from Mexico.
http://monarchwatch.org/tagmig/index.htm
This message was edited Jul 16, 2010 6:37 AM
