Saturday, June 16, 2018

Chrysalides a plenty!

Well this season is off to an amazing start. I will have butterflies hatching daily for the next several weeks. I'm hoping at least some of the females will return to lay eggs in my garden.
There seems to be a lull in the action temporarily until this new generation gets out and lays more eggs.  I've joined two Facebook pages (Welcome to those who have found this blog through facebook) raising MONARCH butterflies, And Minnesota MONARCH crusaders.  These fellow MONARCH lovers are doing great work for the cause, and it's a great resource to get questions answered by MONARCH lovers with a wealth of experience in the field.  Amazing photos and videos posted.... check it out!
I'll post more next week as all these butterflies begin to eclose. My favorite time of the year!  Until next time...,
Save the monarch!

Saturday, June 9, 2018

June 8


 The Monarch caterpillar season is going strong already!  Every time I check plants for caterpillars I'm finding them.  IT's been several years since that has happened, so what is different about this year?  I'm not a scientist, but as with everything, it must have to do with climate.    We can only speculate what it will mean for the Super Monarch population in August.
AS of the writing of this blog I have 1 Chrysalis, 1 in a J, 11 eggs and more caterpillars than I can count.   Finding food, cleaning out frass and keeping track of babies and eggs takes many hours every day, but it's so much fun to watch the process and feel like my small caterpillar farm is making a difference.
AS always if you're experienced at this, or new to the idea, or thinking about joining the crusade, do some research before you get in over your head.   It takes a lot of time and commitment and a bit of ingenuity  to be a help for these beautiful butterflies. I am always willing to help, give advice, share ideas with newbies and there's lots of information online.
It's going to be a great summer!!
SAVE THE MONARCH!