Monarchs Butterflies are so fanciful dancing about the Milkweed as if they haven’t a care in the world. They seem to flit about with no rhyme or reason and are difficult to photograph (in focus) during flight.
For the past two summers, Hannah and I adopted a few Monarch eggs and raised them only to let them go and enjoy them closeup for a short time. This summer I collected Milkweed leaves with 11 eggs. I snipped the leaf down to just the sections that had the egg and set them out on a tray in the kitchen. The next morning when I stopped to take a look to see if any of the eggs have turned into caterpillars, I found that I only had 4 leaf pieces left. The others were gone. I looked all around, thinking that a breeze moved them onto the counter or floor. Nothing. The more I thought about it, I wonder if Miss Kitty ate them? She’s been known to sample greenery in the house. Milkweed is not safe for cats and dogs, but thankfully, none of the critters have shown any ill effects from my misstep in the last few days.
A bit dismayed, I returned the local Milkweed patch in town and collected some more eggs. I hesitated to take the leaves from my young Milkweed as I want them to grow strong and have some leaves at had to feed the hungry caterpillars.
While there, I stood as the rain began and captured a few more pictures.
Milkweed is a draw for all sorts of pollinators – butterflies, bees, and Clearwing or Hummingbird Moths.
They’re just delightfully industrious little things that remind me a bit of tiny fairies.
At home, I’ve got the Monarch babies safely tucked away in a net butterfly house. In a few weeks, we’ll have Monarchs.
What fun! Monarchs seem to love my purple coneflowers, Here’s hoping the population is doing better?
Hi,
My name is Neena. I meet with a small group of crafters @ a small senior center in Cold Springs NV. I would like your permission to print a few extra copies of your VW with tree so I can share with the group and show them how to make it. I know they would love to make the VW and I’m sure we will all have fun. Thank you. Love all your patterns.
I’m raising monarchs, too! I have eight chrysalides right now, and about 30 young ones.
You don’t need to take the whole leaf when you find an egg; just cut out the portion of the leaf with the egg on it. I take about a square inch, others use a paper punch and take just the tiny bit with the egg on it. Cutting the leaf won’t hurt the plant at all.
Good luck with your monarchs!
Yes, please do!
You got some nice photo captures of the Monarchs. I’m seeing them flitting around but can’t get a picture. I’ll enjoy yours! We have lots of milkweed around, but haven’t seen eggs yet.
Thanks for the great pics
Where do you live?