For many, many years (over a decade, actually), I’ve had certified a Monarch Waystation in my garden. I grow swamp milkweed and butterfly weed (another form of milkweed), and over the years, I’ve enjoyed frequent Monarch visitors. I always love to watch them lay their eggs on my milkweed plants, and I will never tire of finding Monarch caterpillars chomping away on my milkweed. (Although I’ve yet to find a chrysalis. . . )
This year, though . . . not so much. As I read reports of the Monarch’s demise – and their being placed on the endangered species list – I’ve been heartbroken. But not surprised. I’ve only seen a few Monarchs in my garden this year.
So I was thrilled . . . THRILLED . . . to find these most lovely Monarch caterpillars chomping on my milkweed last Thursday. THREE of them!
One . . .
Two . . .
Three . . .
They were all good sized; probably nearing chrysalis time. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, and keeping my eyes peeled.
Maybe I’ll find that chrysalis yet!
(Gardens are never boring.)
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Also . . . Just a reminder to RSVP for the next Read With Us book discussion on Zoom. See all the details here.
Hooray for caterpillars and hopefully you’ll spy a lovely chrysalis or three also! My walk this morning took me past a field of milkweed and I kept my eyes out for chomped leaves and caterpillars but didn’t see any. Still, I know (hope) there have to be some in a whole field of milkweed.
P.S. I guess I’ll attend the Zoom discussion tomorrow evening. 🙂
I’ve seen some monarchs this year, but no caterpillars. They really are pretty (even if they are worm-like – LOL). I hope your’s form their chrysalis’, hatch and survive!
They’re so pretty! Fingers crossed that you find at least ONE chrysalis — and maybe THREE!!!
Glad you have some Monarch caterpillers. I saw two Monarchs this summer. Last year I didn’t see any. Plenty of swallowtails, but no Monarchs.
I had several monarch butterflies in my gardens (they love the zinnias) but I’ve never had caterpillars. Jess has them, though, and they are cool. They brought one inside and put it in Jackie’s bug house so he can watch the process and then they will release it.
I have seen several monarchs around the neighborhood, so someone must have milkweed nearby. I’m excited about your caterpillars and hope you do see a chrysalis or two soon!
How nice that you have Monarch caterpillars! I would love to see a caterpillar or a chrysalis!
I had only seen two Monarch butterflies all summer until last Thursday when I watched three of them going from bloom to bloom in my little garden.
well those are three VERY HOPEFUL caterpillars … fingers crossed for that chrysalis!
I’ve seen some monarchs but not any caterpillars. Usually I have one or two in my parsley. I never disturb them. They can have all the parsley they want. Sunday was a glorious autumn like day and I watched a monarch over the trees in a parking lot. I’m sure plenty of people thought I was nuts to stand by the car looking up into the sky for four or more minutes.
They are truly such regal caterpillars! I hope you find a chrysalis or three soon!