I've been busy raising Monarch's and Queen's

Like I didn't need something else to do in December, I had 40 Monarch and Queen cats to raise. I managed to save my milkweed from the few freezes we had. Then they ate all of that and I had to go get some milkweed from my parents garden. I kept 2 Monarch's and 3 Queen's indoors for about 5 days. I released them but the temps were too cold. They stayed in one spot and started to fall on their sides. They warmed right up inside tho and I was able to release them all yesterday. My last Queen eclosed yesterday too. Whew...I'm ready for a break until Spring. In the spring I will let them live outside. Just wanted to share a few pics. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

This Queen knew just what to do when I let her out.

Two Monarch's not quite sure what to do yet. They eventually figured it out.

Which way do I go?

Geez konkreteblond .. you HAVE been jes a wee bit 'busy' ! .. hee ...
(But, ya know you've jes luv'd making such wonderful contributions in aiding these beauties also)!

Their Chrysalis' .. resemble enlongated turqoise gems suspended there. Natures 'wealth', for sure! (hee)

Indeed, all your energy and dedication, has paid off - some awesomely beautifully well, too!!
Consider your extra 'something to do in Dec.' .. another wonderful series of blessings!! Ahh, but there's no doubt, you're a proud butterfly 'guardian' ...

Such a site to see !! I applaud you many times over .. And thank you, for again sharing your expertise, info, your love of nature .. and these pics with us ..

Those are some fantastic shots of the Monarchs, konkreteblond - mitey dandy 'eye candy'!!

And .. Happy New Year!!

- Magpye

I thought I was done after I released my last monarchs a couple weeks ago but one of them was apparently busy as I was outside today and found about a dozen new cats. I think I will leave these on their own unless we get another cold snap.
Jan...

Thank you for the great pictures. I've done a little of the butter fly rescue, but nothing like this. I love showing the grand children the stages. Keep up the great work. We had a shortage of monarch in Iowa. Some say it has something to do with the BT corn. The Iowa State Univi. says no though.

I love the Monarch's. They were like "feast or famine" this year. It takes so long for them to get to my area, late late summer, then I have to wait another year until I see them again. :(