#monarchmonday
An almost-Monarch. When you watch a Monarch egg at this stage, you can see the little one moving his black head around, flexing that egg shell, then you can see mandibles poking out, and then he comes out.
#MonarchMonday #MyPhoto #MyWork #nature #butterflies
(alt text = a nearly transparent Monarch egg with a black dot at its tip, which is the baby caterpillar's head)
When a caterpillar has eaten its last leaf, he puts a lot of work into prepping for That Big Change. They do an extensive walk-about first, but they're on a timer. If they haven't found the exact right spot they have to lay down a silk mat where ever they find themselves, build a silk button (some will lay down two buttons) then after about a day's worth of loosening that outside skin, pull themselves out of their prolegs (which then lose their grip on the silk) and they drop down into a J form.
#MonarchMonday #MyPhoto #MyWork #nature #butterflies
(Alt text = a large Monarch caterpillar hangs by just his two hind pro-legs grasping a silk button built on the underside of a Butterflyweed leaf)
Chinese Privet isn't native but Monarchs don't care because it's nectar rich. Also true of Dandelions and Henbit, so you'd be rendering vital assistance to remigrating Monarchs of last summer a vital service if you avoid mowing your lawns early in this year's season.
#MonarchMonday #MyPhoto #MyWork #nature #butterflies
(Alt text = a Monarch female flying near Chinese Privet blossoms looking for a meal)
Technical Difficulty Please Stand By
I intended to do more #MonarchMonday pic posting but this instance isn't handling images from other people for some reason. Rain check on that.
#MonarchMonday #MyPhoto #MyWork #butterflies
If you suspected as much, your suspicions are now confirmed that I take Monarch butterflies seriously. With their populations dropping like a rock, I think you should too, even though you might not be inclined to be a citizen scientist. Just plant nectar rich wild flowers and milkweeds and you're good.
(Alt text = 2 photos of posted signage indicating that the yard is a National Wildlife Federation Habitat, a Monarch Larva Monitoring Project site, and a Monarch Watch Waystation)
#MonarchMonday #MilkweedMonday
#MyPhoto #MyWork #nature #butterflies
Unfortunately too many people mistake young Honeyvine for Bindweed and pull it up, and claim it's invasive when it isn't. If you care for it, it will reward you with beauty, Monarchs, and lots of other butterflies.
(alt text = a cattle panel fencerow adorned with blooming Honeyvine being inspected by a Monarch couple)
Monarch Monday!
#MonarchMonday
#MyPhoto #MyWork #nature #butterflies
They'll remigrate in about a month! Be ready!
(Alt text = a tiny monarch hatchling making its way out of its eggshell)
#MonarchMonday because they'll be back soon
Yeah, I know it's Wednesday but it's just now occurred to me to do #MonarchMonday because they break camp in Mexico in March and we in more northern climes had best start getting ready for their return if they're to increase in numbers over the upcoming breeding season.
Right now is a good time to start Cold Moist Stratification (CMS) of the wild milkweed seeds you have so they'll be eager to sprout come spring. You don't need to do that with Tropical (Mexican) Milkweed or exotics like Swan or Balloon (Hairy Balls) but they take a long time to grow, so start those seeds NOW so that they'll be big enough to feed the offspring of the first remigrant Monarchs of the year.
(Alt Text = picture of sprouting milkweed seed)
