I have a wider audience than I thought! I occasionally post about butterflies. I’ve been “raising” one or a few monarchs annually over the last few years. It may sound silly but I heartily recommend “raising” butterflies. It’s just plain a happy thing. Always remember the simple things! There’s childlike joy to be had if you’ve retained the wisdom to appreciate it.
A homeschool kid bumped into my blog and saw my butterfly links. This turned into what I presume to be a school assignment about butterflies: How to Grow your own Butterfly Garden.
Please check it out. I like to encourage students whenever I can.
Incidentally, I failed to post photos of this year’s monarch. Now that it’s a rock star, I should rectify that. I present to you “Constantine” who emerged in late July:
I’m not always organized about posts. If you’re looking for other mention of butterflies here’s a way to start:
2018: Phenology Report: Monarchs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
2020: The Cycle Of Life Births A Monarch.
2021 (reverse chronological order): Critters: Pics Or It Didn’t Happen, Critter Encounters: Outwitted By An Invertebrate, Critter Encounters.
2022: Planets, Butterflies, And Bullshit. (Warning, no photos and I a ramble about Pluto, the definition of “recession”, and how to have breakfast with a butterfly.)
I’m in the process of of raising around 40 now & just saw another Monarch laying eggs this morning.
Nice!
I have to ask – where do you get the eggs? Local capture?
I have taken to planting lots of native plants and pollinator host species specifically. Lots of asclipias and milkweed around. Just look for eggs early summer and put them in a safe place? I could always use a new hobby or 12…
I’m lazy and just do local capture of Monarch caterpillars on random milkweed. It’s pretty easy. I could try to find eggs on the milkweed but they’re very small so you have to look closely.
Have no idea how to post a pic, just got our 14th out the door… Have been looking for new eggs/caterpillers … Haven’t seen many lately… Lots of wasps around lately which may be the problem… Middle of MI…
Justim…
That’s one pretty fly you got there.
Heltau
Who here swerves to miss them when driving? (raises hand), Be honest…
OG
Not in my car but on my motorcycle I do.