Found today on my coneflowers. We had a timing problem at first with the opening and closing of wings, but once we got in synch I got my pictures.
Susan
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Is this a Monarch?
Yes, and it's a boy!
uh??? HOW do you know THAT?? lol
Those black spots on each underwing... Females don't have them.
Well, that is cool!!
Thanks ceejay!
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Like 9kittymom, I too discovered Monarchs on my coneflowers.
same butterfly
You guys up north plant plenty Milkweed and grow a big crop of Monarchs this year. I sure miss them, looking forward to their migration later this year. I am ready for them.
You both took some great photos!!!
I remember your phots from last year Jmorth. Once again, I am jealous. I have tons of coneflowers, but I haven't seen a lot of action yet this year.
Here are somemore shots of the same guy.
Susan
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I have a really big beautiful butterfly weed here waiting to be chomped! I have not seen ANY monarchs here yet! Just saw my first hummingbird moth of the season though, so maybe the others are not far away.
lots of what I think are cabbage whites though.
I haven't seen a Monarch around here for ages.
I didn't see mine but one sneaked in and laid eggs on my asclepias tuberosa because I just found one cat happily munching away on it. I'd like to bring it in to protect it from birds but have never raised one before. Any suggestions? I don't have a cage of any type--would a mason jar with course fabric instead of a lid be O.K.?
Nature - You might post that question in a new thread, so everyone can see it. There are many here who can help you....
O.K.--thanks ceejaytown.
Yay. Congrats.
Today while inspecting my asclepias tuberosa, I thought it funny that I was actually hoping to find some damaged leaves on a plant!
I just saw a big black butterfly pass through, but did not land on anything!
Nature lover, if you have a extra plastic container that you can cut a hole in, lay your mesh cloth over the top then snap on the lid.
The glass gets pretty warm and IMHO the opening is not large enough for circulation. Keep fresh leaves in the container at all times. I use wet floral foam covered with glad wrap to stick the ends into. Check it in morning and afternoon. When it get big enough you will see it climb up to the top and form a "J" (see pic). They will stay that way for about a day then shed their skin one last time.
The night before it emerges the chrysalis will become transparent.
Forgot the picture.
Thanks so much for the info Sheila! I ended up putting it in an old coffee pot with mesh tied over the opening. It still looks like the little guy is doing all right this morning. Sure hope he makes it. Thanks again for taking time to answer my question.
I forgot to tell you that once the chrysalis is formed it takes 10 days for Monarchs to emerge. So make sure to check him on the ninth day (morning & evening), to see if the green coloration has changed to brown. They will emerge early in the morning and will hang for a long time unfurling and drying their wings. Usually you can release them before lunch. It will also usually allow you to slowly put your finger in front and will climb on. Then set it on a flower to be photographed! Best of luck!
There is a 'sticky' post at the top of this Forum that has loads of informative links and information. If you are interested in raising bfs then it is a must read.
Thanks Shiela. I do have one more question--is there a specific room temperature that's good for them? I have him inside with the AC. Should I move him to a warm room? Thanks again. I've seen so many wasps around here lately that I'm probably going to do a regular patrol for cats and bring them inside. I have lot's to learn. I didn't have any serious problems before this year and always left them outside but I don't like what those wasps do to them. Besides, I'd much rather see the butterflies than wasps.
Cats do okay in A/C. I set my A/C at 79 and I raise cats inside. They develop a little slower in A/C than if they were outside in summer's 95+F. So in a warmer room they might develop just a tiny bit faster than in the cooler room. I'm going to have to really watch the milkweed now that I found out something was munching a few leaves. I knew it was time for the Queens, just haven't seen any Queens in the yard!
Thanks--that's a relief. I was afraid it might be too cold for it in here. Do they just kind of hang there on a leaf before the instar stage?
Thanks Linda for answering. I have been busy this last couple days with pond clean out and reworking a waterfall. Finally got some guys to help.