It's the way of things, nothing evolves in a vacuum and something eats everything, despite their defenses.

Funny dbarron, when I read your comment, the voice was that of Yoda. LMAO

Unfortunate, this is. Raise them indoors, I will.

I was going more for 'Hakuna Matata' and 'The Great Circle of Life', but you can hear Yoda if you like (lol)

I found 3 daed cats, one being 3rd or 4th instar...Bummer!

On a brighter note, I brought in 4 cats and 13 eggs to raise indoors...WooHoo!

Getting bigger

Eggs an just hatched (far right)

And BIGGER...The one at right turned into a chrysalis Sunday.

A few years ago I had parsley on my patio that became covered with cats. I was delighted at the prospect of many butterflies. Then one day all the cats were gone - they had been eaten by the anoles of which there are many in my location. Cycle of life I guess.

I don't have anoles, didn't think they would eat the Monarch cats due to the milkweed toxins. I saw a flying bug critter carrying them off. They apparently sting them with an egg and carry them off and stuff them in a hole somewhere. That is why I switched mostly to hummingbird plants.

I have seen the hornets ( yellow jacket) suck their juice out esp the big ones. bringing in is the only way to be certain if you have the time for it

The Tropical Milkweed is LOADED!!!

I counted about 13 total.

The first chrysalis became translucent, and I could see orange...I should have my first enclosure today...Sorry, no pics.