6.18.12

This is what wild Milkweed blooms look like!  They are a gorgeous mauvy-pink and the scent is amazing!


{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
1 Total

{CHRYSALIS}
28

{MONARCH's}
0 today ... 22 total


***Sadly, I had to twilight a chrysalis today- one of the late instar caterpillars that I found must have been riddled with disease.  The chrysalis fully formed, but then became yellowed and spotty after 24 hours.  

5.25.12

In the 'wild,' these are the distinguishing chew marks of Monarch caterpillars.  If you are hunting for Monarch caterpillars, this is what you are looking for!

{FINDINGS}
16 eggs
18 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
29 total eggs

{HATCHLINGS}
None

{NURSERY GUESTS}
None

{CATERPILLARS}
20

5.24.12

Today we began our find-fest journey, a thrilling journey to catch a glimpse into the life transformation of the Monarch butterfly.

Inspired by friends who will also be raising caterpillars, we took a peek into some wild Milkweed from our yard, and we were stunned to find our own mini-village right in our own back yard!  Here's to a bountiful season of learning and growing, both ourselves and Monarch butterflies!

We are so excited to find, raise and grow the Monarch population, one Monarch at a time!  75% of the Monarch population has died off because on an early frost a few years ago, and declining Milkweed plants due to urbanization.  Monarch caterpillars have a 10% survivability rate in the 'wild,' but hand-raised Monarchs have a 90% survival rate!  For the {LOVE} of these beauties, we are spending our summer growing the Monarch population and enjoying every minute of it!

{FINDINGS}
13 eggs

{HATCHLINGS}
None

{NURSERY GUESTS}
None

{CATERPILLARS}
2