The old adage “Build it and they will come” has certainly worked for me this year. Instead of planting milkweed outside in my butterfly garden, I planted two varieties in pots. This was due to a discovery that milkweed is poisonous to dogs. And our dog loves to romp in the butterfly garden.
In the spring, I found monarch caterpillars on the swamp milkweed. A few weeks ago I found two tiny ones on the tropical milkweed. Because of all the predators (lizards, birds, etc.), I decided to put the two babies in an enclosure. What I thought was two became 6 very healthy caterpillars munching away on both varieties. I was hoping I could keep them fed for the growth period.
All six made chrysalises. Four of them had moved appropriately to the top, but one made its chrysalis on a stem and another on the side of the cup holding the demolished milkweed.
Over the past two days they all emerged, two on one day and the other four the next.
Beautiful monarch!
I feel a sense of accomplishment that I successfully raised 6 new monarchs to fly free into the world.
Reflections on the Teche 
Just like you to take the time to nourish beauty and send it out in the world! I love how what you thought were 2 became 6–There’s a lesson there. In 17 years I still have not had (or haven’t seen) any evidence of monarch activity on the plentiful supply of milkweed in our field. I’m wondering if I should plant some swamp milkweed instead…
I read that the swamp milkweed is better for them. They destroyed one plant and it came back. Also the seeds are easy to gather and reseed.
Great idea to pot the milkweed and then have an enclosure big enough to just move the pot into. No more chopping up my plants!
Definitely try swamp milkweed! I’ve had more caterpillars by FAR on it than on traditional milkweed. And when you let it go to seed it spreads nicely! 🙂
Oops. That was for Molly…
These are so lovely, Margaret – what a beautiful way to release them and watch them take to the skies. I had a friend in Georgia who used to take names of people who had lost loved ones and release them for the loved one. I would imagine that you have thought of your sweet parents each time you have released one. What a beautiful moment!
Margaret,
When I saw your monarchs on FB this morning, I decided I’m calling you the butterfly whisperer. I am in awe and in love w/ what you’ve done for these amazing monarchs. Be proud. I’m proud of you!
This is so exciting! You’re a wonderful monarch Mama! I haven’t been out to check my milkweed in a few weeks because it was too hot and humid for me to breathe due to my asthma. Fortunately, this week it has been cooler, but we have had air quality warnings due to smoke from fires in Canada, again. Unfortunately, I can’t go outside when we have bad air quality also because of my asthma. Thankfully, I can live vicariously through your butterflies. I love your photos and video. Thank you. 🙂