These are hanging on my birdbath & some of my Brug leaves. Wish the pictures were clearer. Melba
what is this?
another
Melba, those look like Monarch chrysalises, how lucky! Do you have milkweed nearby?
I'm wondering if they have other host plants than what are always listed. My mom said she saw a Monarch laying eggs on her morning glory and there was no butterfly weed nearby. Could it be the Monarch has to lay the eggs anywhere she can.
I've never seen any Monarch cats on my brugs, Melba, do you see any cats on yours?
This is perplexing, I can't even understand Velcro lol
Hopefully the experts will know.
Yes Monarch. Can't explain it though. Karen
Definitely a Monarch (or Queen) Chrysalis. Awesome find! :-)
Thanks all, I have a small bed of milkweed next to the birdbath. Had many cats earlier, but I thought it was too late for these to appear now. I have them on several Brugs which are along the side of the milkweed. I'm Amazed! This is my first for these. I must keep a close watch on them. What if we get freezing temps? Will they live ? Melba
This mornings pictures of monarchs on my brugs!
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8 This is cat on the milkweed.
#9 another cat
#10, last one
WOW! Looks like you are going to have a Butterfly Party when they all emerge!
Awesome Melba!!
They arent too picky about where they make thier chrysalises are they? You can remove that one from the birdbath by tying a strong thread between its connection and the top of the chr. Then stretch the string across in something safe where it will have room to hang and fill out its wings and dry.
Some ppl just use a drop of glue to hang it in another place too. You might ask Konkreteblond what she would do. she would know the best thing.
o/~
I use wax unflavored dental floss to remove and place any chrysalis that is growing in an unsafe place or if one has fallen on the ground. Just tie the dental floss around the connection (silk) between the chrysalis and the object it is attached to. Pull loose. Then tie it another safer object such as a horizontal branch somewhere. This method works just fine for me and I use it a LOT! Just be sure when you tie the floss around the chrysalis silk that you tie it in a good knot so that it doesn't fall off the floss.
Yeah Becky, there ya go..I remember you & Paige both mentioning how to move them. I would have to move one on the birdbath, because I have to wash it out a lot.
Melba, you haven't posted since the 18th, did the Monarchs fly away yet? The chrysalis on the Brugs looked like they were definately ready to emerge.
I am so envious of you all, I have Milkweed and Monarchs have stopped in several times in the last month, but no eggs or cats yet that I can tell.
Sheila
Me too Sheila, I suppose they know not to lay any more eggs for now, maybe?..Mostly nectaring along the way down to Mexico. We will definatly have them next year though:o)
It probably is a good thing there's no eggs or cats with the temps getting so low. By the time they eclosed it could be very cold up your way, and they can't fly under 50°. I'm finally out of stems with leaves in my yard which means no more eggs. Paige is generously sending me some of her milkweed because I have about 10 more cats to feed. Luckily the days are still warm enough to release.
Sheila, there's always next year :)
I will definately be more prepared next year. I spread milkweed seed all along a new 30 foot bed that we put in this summer. The plants aren't but about 4" at the most now, but they will grow next year! I also got some seeds of another milkweed and a few plants at the swap from Konkrete.
After seeing her yard this year, I see I need a whole lot more plants to have a chance to attract BFs like she does.
Me too, I have about 30 - 6" stems that I put in my bubbler, they rooted, and have planted outside. It will be a challenge with the aphids, spider mites, assassin bugs, milkweed bugs....gosh a lot of bugs like those plants! But it is so worth it with the Monarchs.
I loved Paige's garden! I am planning on planting more nectar plants next year.