Thursday, March 21, 2019

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

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