As you remember, I ended the last post wondering whether I should bring the caterpillars inside or leave them out on the milkweed. Well, right or wrong, I decided to leave them where they were.
The next day, I could only find two.
Today, Sept 17th, there is only one caterpillar left munching on milkweed.
HOWEVER; after a quick search inside the tuteur (that the milkweed surrounds) I found the second caterpillar hanging in a "J" beginning the pupating process. If you look closely (and I realize it's a poor photo) you can see the silk thread being generated that the chrysalis will hang by.
He picked an excellent spot. Had I not been on the ground, looking up, I would never have seen him. Also, if he'd already made the transformation into a chrysalis, I may have missed him too. It was the striping that caught my eye.
Once he has finished the transformation, I will try to cut one or two of the Cobaea leaves (around the area he's hanging from) so I can photograph the process better. I do not want to disturb him in any way tho. Also, in a few days, when I know his pupa has hardened, I will conduct a (careful) but more thorough search for the other caterpillar chrysalis'. I am betting they are hanging in there as well.
btw, I am still seeing Monarchs in the garden.
They are really attracted to the Buddleia 'Honeycomb' which is blooming the best it ever has this year.
When I was photographing the above Monarch, I noticed one of his wings was badly tattered. I feel these are the Monarchs that will be trying to make the journey to Mexico. I hope he can make it in this shape.
There is also still an occasional hummingbird in the garden although I have not been patient enough to get one decent photo this year.
Stay tuned for further updates!!!
Meanwhile, I'm beginning to decorate for fall/Halloween even tho it still feels very much like summer.
I *think* I'm done with the porch:
I decided to give my pumpkin topiary a rest this year! More to come....
Edited 9/18/15:
As of this morning, I've now found 3 out of the 4 caterpillars. The one that was hanging in a "J" yesterday, has made the transformation to a chrysalis:
Another is spinning the silk right now to hang from and a 3rd one I found totally by accident. I had searched all around the tuteur looking for more cats/chrysalis' and found nothing. Finally, discouraged, I sat in one of my little garden chairs & look what was right in front of me!
I hadn't even thought of them crawling up into the iron urn! This one is hanging (at eye level) from a 'Queen Red Lime' Zinnia leaf planted in the urn!!! What is that saying?? If it was a snake it would have bit me!
It feels like a gift, being able to watch one so unobstructed & closely.
I don't know how safe a place it is for him, the others are much more camouflaged,
but it's wonderful for me.
and for YOU because I will be able to document the transformation all the better!!
How much more exciting can it get??!!!!
Yay! I'm glad you found at least one of them preparing to form the chrysalis. I brought three inside to raise in an aquarium, and then I found a few others outside, but chose to leave them there. It was great to watch them until they reached the fifth instar, but then when the outside ones wandered away to form the chrysalis, I couldn't find them. So, I'm glad I got to see it happen to some of them inside. I'm still seeing Monarchs, too, including one today that seemed to be frenetically looking for a place to wait out the approaching storms that are thundering through tonight! Love your Halloween decorations! I don't put mine out until October.
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | September 17, 2015 at 07:34 PM
It is exciting, isn't it? Every time I found the cats outside in the past, I could never, ever find the chrysalis. It was discouraging. So when someone offered me a few cats to raise, I said a resounded YES, and loved every minute of it.
Posted by: Robin | September 18, 2015 at 07:51 PM