Monarch Butterfly update

I had 67 Chrysalis a few days ago. 7 Monarchs emerged on the 8th and 5 emerged on the 9th. Debbie had 3 that had emerged and we decided to take them to Lucas Nursery where they have a “Butterfly Encounter”. I would have preferred to release in the yard, but freezing temperatures were expected.

Yesterday 14 emerged and I released them in the backyard. I have a couple of Monarchs, at least one Viceroy …(it’s a bit ragged but the color is beautiful) that show up whenever the sun shines.

There are several small Skippers, Zebra Longwings and at least one Gulf Frittlary that join them.

Jim built this for me so I could wheel the plants into the shed at night. I had milkweed seedlings in small pots and after the freeze I added a few flowering plants to the collection. I also have a wheel barrow full.

There are at least 12 in large pots that I bring into the screen room when it’s going to be in the 30’s. I definitely get my exercise carrying things in and out. Maybe next year we’ll build a small greenhouse that can be opened for the bees and butterflies. The tall structure is a trellis built over a tub with honeysuckle. I enclosed it with plastic on 3 sides and top…put several of the flowering plants on shelves in it and that’s where I put the newly released Monarchs. They can have something to eat…if they want…and leave whenever they are ready. It gives them a nice warm spot out of the wind to make up their minds.

When the resident Monarch flew in, it immediately took up with one of the released one.

This male was enjoying the sun on a Buddleia plant and the Gulf Fritillary was determined to have the same spot. He’s the big blur.

The Monarch refused to leave and the Fritillary finally decided to settle for a spot nearby. Look how fast his wings go.

I released 2 more this afternoon and by 4 pm there were 9 more. It is supposed to rain tomorrow…. but if it’s not too cold I will release them. Otherwise I will have to teach them how to eat. This is the first one that emerged a few days ago. He had just had a meal of honey and water.

Here it is on a Marigold. Isn’t it beautiful?