6.12.12

This first generation of Monarch caterpillars for 2012 has put the frass stage in the past!  Frass is the formal name for Caterpillar poop.  On the right, the frass is from a newly hatched one day old caterpillar, on the left, the frass is from a caterpillar whose 'caterpillar stage' is coming to a close.  BIG difference!  But, as I have said, the frass stage is in the past for this generation, I just have two caterpillars waiting to change, and are in the last 24 hours of their caterpillar life.  These two no longer eat, they are just preparing themselves for the pupae stage!

{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
2 Total
2 large
0 medium
0 small

{CHRYSALIS}
47

{MONARCH's}
0

6.11.12

Here's 40 of our 42 chrysalis' so far this season!  
{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
7

{CHRYSALIS}
42

{MONARCH's}
0

6.10.12

Sadly, I had my fourth (of 53) caterpillar die.  I'm not exactly sure why, but while doing research as to what could be the cause of a caterpillar only half pupating and then suddenly dying, I have read that this 'catty' could have either has a parasite passed from its parents genetic materials (ie: sperm and egg) before it even hatched, or that it just didn't have the energy necessary in pupating.  Sad.


{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
9

{CHRYSALIS}
40

{MONARCH's}
0

6.9.12

'J's' EVERYWHERE!!!

{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
28 Total

{CHRYSALIS}
22

{MONARCH's}
0


***TODAY was an incredible day in 'Monarching' for me!  Of the SIXTEEN caterpillars that hatched on the same day two weeks ago, FIFTEEN of them climbed into the 'J' position today!  So exciting... and things sure move like clockwork!

6.8.12

'Brothers & Sisters!'

{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
28 Total

{CHRYSALIS}
22

{MONARCH's}
0

***I saw a Monarch butterfly in my yard today, it feels like its been weeks since I've seen a winged Monarch!  Hopefully another batch of eggs will be laid soon!

6.7.12

I will never tire of watching the incredible transition from caterpillar to pupa!


{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
30 Total
21 large
9 medium
0 small

{CHRYSALIS}
20

{MONARCH's}
0

6.6.12

It has been NINE days since I've has an egg hatch--- meaning two things;
1. No new generations
2. All of my caterpillars are getting HUGE!


So I decided to do some research, and I found that Monarch butterflies are born in four generations per year!  Good to know, because I've been wondering why my plants were no longer being visited by adult Monarchs!


From what I have read, it seems that the last generation of the season (the fourth) are the Monarch's the over-winter in California and Mexico.  This same '4th Generation' gently hibernates- sustaining itself mostly just on the raindrops and dew, with an occasional fluttering out in search for nectar if its is sunny and warm enough- but basically, just resting in groves for 6ish months.  As the weather warms, this '4th Generation' heads north and deposits eggs along its route.  Traditionally, each generation of Monarch butterflies only lives for about 6 weeks, so when a previos generation's days come to a close, the new generation rises up to fulfill the duty of inhabiting the earth! ;)


I'm still checking my plants, and I'm eagerly anticipating our next generation!  Hmmm, I wonder if our Monarch's are born from the eggs of those who over-wintered in the South, or if they are the descendants of the first generations born south of Michigan... I guess I'll have to see how many generations I'm able to take part in raising this season!




{FINDINGS}
0 eggs
0 caterpillars

{EGGS WAITING TO HATCH}
0

{HATCHLINGS}
0

{NURSERY GUESTS}
0

{CATERPILLARS}
30 Total
21 large
9 medium
0 small

{CHRYSALIS}
20

{MONARCH's}
0