Grandson, Ashton, was so excited to show me the milkweed plant that had been put in since I was here, not because it was a gorgeous plant, but it's covered in Monarch caterpillars! What is it about one that we know will turn into a magnificent butterfly, and a similarly shaped tomato caterpillar that's the bane of every gardener?!
One of out earliest 365 members was a photographer in Michigan who raised caterpillars and taught us so much about Monarchs! She pointed out the chrysalis and how it had little gold dots around the rim. I found that fascinating, but here, that same dot pattern is on the last, large yellow band at the top of the stick. Prior to 365, and thanks to Karen Hoffman, I never would have taken notice!
I'm not sure what the time frame is going to be, but it would be so exciting to witness a chrysalis being formed!
This is an awesome close-up ...How wonderful to see these caterpillars and know that in time you will be blessed to see beautiful Monarchs flying around! Fav!
What a fabulous closeup and interesting information too. I would love to see a Monach butterfly. I have seen films where thousands gather on trees and it must be a breathtaking sight! Fav!
Up early to do final packing and check I have everything! Very excited to be seeing Chicago again! Email me if possible with Kens details for Skype and when we are with Taffy we will try to contact you.
@pamknowler I'm up alone at this hour until I take my last med. I'll maker a point to remind him in the morning! Safe travels...looking forward to a real chat!
This is a fabulous capture, Louise! I've never witnessed a Monarch butterfly in the making...how is that possible, I wonder? I'm learning so much about nature on this site and becoming more interested in it all every day...I'm sure I will one day soon witness a Monarch miracle. Fav! :-)
I must say 365 is making me look at insects and reptiles in a whole new, more favorable, light. This is a beautiful caterpillar, I sure hope you get to see the butterfly he becomes!
@elatedpixie I suggested to Pam Knowler that, if she doesn't follow you already, she ought to! You photograph whales and butterflies that would send her soaring!
I've never looked at insects like I have since I started 365. Still not a fan, but I'm finding them more interesting than I ever did before this project. Example? This interesting and different shot.
@taffy I'm looking forward to it as well! I thought they'd form the chrysalises on the leaves, but Ashley says they leave the bush and they form them in other places on the patio! I certainly hope they'll come to that point this week! I don't need the emergence as much as I'd like to have a chrysalis!
Up early to do final packing and check I have everything! Very excited to be seeing Chicago again! Email me if possible with Kens details for Skype and when we are with Taffy we will try to contact you.