The Monarch I released today decided to fly off the asters onto my shoulder before taking off for her long journey to Mexico.I just enjoyed the moment! I have raised Monarchs from egg to adulthood with all of the children I taught in my preschool classrooms over the years! I still do it.. even though I am retired!
They are so pretty! I've been trying so hard to get milkweed to grow on my property or a butterfly bush but my soil is so lousy it takes a while before things go to seed. So, I just enjoy everyone else's pictures instead- this is beautiful!
@cmsfk70 oh,Cindy the story is pretty amazing.Most Monarch butterflies live two weeks and mate and die.There are 5 generations.The fifth generation,born in early fall,is special.It lives up to 9 months!They migrate to Mexico .They get to the mountains regions of Michoacan in time for Mexicos "Day of the Dead" It is believed that the Monarchs carry the souls of loved ones.The Monarchs spend the winter clustered together...in the MILLONS in evergreen trees.they spend the winter like that and make their way back ,Generation by generation mating along the way.
Now,that is the east coast population.The west coast population is smaller and they overwinter in California. All monarchs need Milkweed plants to lay eggs on.No milkweed= no monarchs?Because of pesticides and GMOs ..the population of monarchs this year is wayyyyyyyy down.Like scary low! We all need to plant Milkweed everywhere!Aren't you glad you asked? LOL
@mzzhope I AM glad I asked... I plan on planting some milkweed in that case. And don't even get me started on GMO's! Thanks for the info, I really do appreciate you taking the time to explain. I used to see so many more monarchs and it seems I never see them much anymore. Thanks again!
@adayinmallacoota it was early in the morning.They need to warm their wings in the open position to get their body temp up before they can take off.Lucky for me.:)
I remember my kids doing that project in school. One of the highlights of the year. Glad you got to beautifully capture your butterfly before it flew away.
S T U N N I N G ,! Hope I love all your work but this is what you do best! Great info too ! Don't know what milkweed is but intend seeking it out ! Big FAV my dear :-)
@ikamera Kiran,it is wonderful to do with children.You need to plant Milkweed.That is the only plant a Monarch will lay eggs on because that is the only food the caterpillars can eat.Plant milkweed...and they will come!
Now,that is the east coast population.The west coast population is smaller and they overwinter in California. All monarchs need Milkweed plants to lay eggs on.No milkweed= no monarchs?Because of pesticides and GMOs ..the population of monarchs this year is wayyyyyyyy down.Like scary low! We all need to plant Milkweed everywhere!Aren't you glad you asked? LOL