If it were me, I'd bring it inside and allow it to emerge. There are still cabbage whites and sulfurs flittering around outside. I'd let the monarch emerge and high-tail it to Mexico. But that's just me.

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I thought monarchs didn't overwinter (in the colder zones), or am I mistaken?
These late hatches are definitely different; they seem kind of lethargic. A coworker brought his yesterday eclosure in today because it doesn't want to leave. Granted, it's a bit chilly, but these guys need to migrate and they show no signs of wanting to leave their large containers...

I have never heard of anyone in this area overwintering monarchs. It gets too cold here one would think. Zone 6 even more so.

I would encourage the silly thing to get on with it and then head south quickly. Time is running out. We will have temps in the upper 30's Monday night.

randy

Wow Sue, I was just browsing this forum today and what a surprise to see your post. I read the antique rose forum and the regular rose forum almost daily but enjoy this one as well.

I saw very few monarchs this year but they apparently came through as I ended up with tons of caterpillars on the milkweed, which was just planted this year. We took a few inside so as to watch them closely. The last one emerged only yesterday and was released. Godspeed! I read to wait about 4 hours and then release when the temp is at least 65 degrees. I was a little worried as it has been chilly at night. When the cocoon seems black they will emerge very soon.
Maureen (gallicas!)