Sjoerd asked to see some monarch photos, so I dug through our photo file and got these: This is the milkweed that the monarchs use to lay eggs, and the caterpillars use for food Milkweed host for Monarchs ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) The eggs are laid on the underside of the leaves, and this tiny white dot will become a Monarch. Monarch egg ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) 5th instar--almost a butterfly! ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) After the egg hatches, the caterpillars (instars) develop through five stages, this being the last stage before making a crysalis and emerging as a Monarch.
This post and photographs will be of real help to many of our members. Now they will know which is the host plant for Monarchs and what their eggs and caterpillars look like.
I found a Monarch Chrysalis in December 2009. Too late in the season for it to complete it's cycle though. Monarch chrysalis ( photo / image / picture from toni's Garden )
Toni, So the one that is to late, will it die? What seasons are they from egg to instar? I can't believe the egg is so small.... Barb in Pa.
Hey MG-- Thanks so much. I really enjoyed the fotos. I also enjoyed the foto of the anti-robber screen for your bee hive. Could you indicate to me where the little entrance is to see on that pic. I am trying to see it, but can't. Very interesting. The work that you and your man are doing sounds really interesting and important. I wish that we had those remarkable butterflies over here. p.s. Could you explain the terminology? "5-instar" and so forth.
Sjoerd, I wish you had Monarchs too, but I'm sure you have lovely things we have never seen! I explained instars, etc. on the "Monarchs in our pasture" post. I hope I was coherent!
Thank you so much, MG. I don't know how it happened, but I missed your answer on that other thread. I thought that I had not posted or forgotten to punch the "Submit" button on that first posting of yours. Anyhow, thanks very much for the directions and explanations. Very interesting stuff.
