Congrats on finding the eggs Mary!! Woo-hoo!!!!!!

Mary, like you, I snip off a little piece of the leaf with the egg on it. I keep them in a fairly air-tight environment until I see the little hatchlings. I'll use old butter dishes or even plastic sandwich bags when I have just a few eggs. The sandwich bags work great. I'll put a folded paper towel in that I put a drop of water on. The most important thing is keeping the leaves moist until the eggs hatch. As the larvae hatch, I separate them from the remaining eggs so the eggs don't get accidentally eaten. I keep the small larvae in a fairly air-tight container until they reach the second or third instar. That's because I am usually just feeding them a leaf or two. I do switch to a dry paper towel. After they reach the third instar, they need more room and will eat enough to warrant putting stems in picks or wet foam, and then you want air flow.

I am soooooo excited for you! Enjoy. You will probably find more eggs as the Monarchs seem to be moving south in preparation for the migration. This is their last chance to produce an abundance of butterflies for the trip.

Hope this answered your questions.

Sandy

Mary, I use potted plants or cuttings (in water) to raise the last generation. The cuttings are at least 2 feet in length and the opening of the bottle/jar/vase is covering in plastic wrap with a rubber band around it to prevent any accidental drownings. your tropical and goose plants work well as cuttings.

I'm not sure if floral foam keeps plants as hydrated as being submerged in water....maybe someone has tried both?

Good luck with your babies, Tony