1st generation Monarchs appearing

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

At least, I think they are appearing and not returning! Can't really tell if they might be some I've recently released or if they are coming up from the south. This is the third day in a row I've seen pristine Monarchs in the garden. I don't know if the eggs I've found the past two weeks were left by Mexico ladies or by 1st gen ladies as I never saw these Monarchs.

The one who visited today for several hours seemed to be very hungry. I never observed any egg laying, just flying from flower to flower, taking nectar. Bad storm is coming tonight. I hope she's found a safe place to ride it out.

My last three chrysalides (of 27) are out in the gh, protected in a rearing cage. I put two blooming milkweed plants in with them so if I can't release them tomorrow due to the storm, they'll have nectar. So far, all that have eclosed have been perfect. Still can't believe how much Monarch activity I've had this spring. I hope this means there will be good numbers for the fall migration.

The two oldest cats from the most recent group are forming their J's. So far, I think I've got 17 in this new group in various stages of growth.

The Tweedia
caerulea is blooming well and she spent a lot of time on it, which surprised me. It is one of the few plants I'm growing for me (I love the blue flowers) and never considered it might be a good nectar plant.

Mary

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Comments (3)

Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)
9 years ago
Beautiful pictures! I haven't seen an adult Monarch in about 2 weeks. Plenty of caterpillars, some of them are huge.
Mary Leek
Original Author
9 years ago
Iris, thank you. They may be slipping in and leaving eggs without you seeing them! I so wish I could leave the eggs/cats outside here. I'm sure it would be a better experience for the little cats, minus being carried away by the wasps or spiders.

Speaking of cats .... tonight, while looking for the tomato clips to use to secure my 'two' tomato plants before the storm hits, I looked up an there was a Monarch, pretty as you please, sitting on the top of a bookshelf in my kitchen. What a surprise! Thinking back, the only explanation I can think of is while cleaning their containers, the netting I use to cover the container is clipped to a shelf edge. Sometimes there is a cat or two clinging to the netting. Maybe this little guy crawled off onto the shelf while I was working and I just didn't notice. Thank goodness, it was a little male in perfect condition, sitting there calm as you please, as if waiting for someone to take him outside. Once outside and on a flower, he flapped his wings a few times and took off. Note to self, pay better attention! :-)

Mary
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Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)
9 years ago
That's so cute! I can't even tell the difference between male and female in Monarchs. Lots to learn. I can't wait for the butterfly season to take off here. The only big ones I see frequently so far are Tiger swallowtails. I planted at least 20 new milkweed plants. Also planted a lot more false indigo. This is currently being eaten by broom moth caterpillars. Not my intention, but oh well.