Monarch Butterflies 2019 : Part 2

Once they have latched and turned into chrysalis', we move them inside. They soon turn a dark colour before bursting out into the world. We then take them outside and let their wings dry. At this time they probably get familiar with the new body they now have.

Then its time to take to flight, without any experience of doing so. They seem to orient themselves with the area, before flying away to find food, mate and find swan plants to lay eggs on. All without any instruction on how to do any of it. Clearly not the work of blind chance. For the season, we've said au revoir to 80 butterflies.

Their bodies reconstituting themselves inside the chrysalis

Newly hatched and still damp

The wings drying nicely 

Soon to leave home (sniff)

Monarch Butterflies 2019 : Part 1

This is the first installment for 2019. For other years, click on the label 'Butterflies'. There were less eggs this year, something noted nationally. We have also changed our way of rearing them. Previously our kitchen bench became the caterpillar nursery, with the associated mess you get with anything that eats constantly. This time around, they were in a protected basket. If we didn't do something, they become a gourmet diet for several predator insects and probably none would survive.

Below is a series of pictures. The first shows eggs and a tiny caterpillar. Then there are three pictures of their protective enclosure.

Eggs and a tiny caterpillar (circled)

Safe and sound

Really hungry by now

Ready to transform. Notice some have latched
onto the rim outside the basket

Book Exchange

Here's a book exchange with a nice theme to it. The book holder is placed on a front fence on the roadside. People can bring along and/or take away a book(s) without charge. It's a positive initiative.