In my last post I made mention of the area around the vintage iron urn as looking "weedy."
Guess what? I no longer care how it appears because look what I found in the milkweed there today:
YES!!!!!
Monarch Caterpillars!!!!!
I am beside myself with excitement right now!
I "think* these are 5th instars (but possibly 4th)?? They are approx 1 1/2" long & the white dots on their "feet" are pretty defined.
This is totally WHY I garden.
Sometimes I start questioning my "messy" English style of gardening & wonder if I should have a more "tidy, controlled-looking" American garden. But then a discovery and moment like this reaffirms my choice.
I love a beautiful flower but a plant that has a purpose is the absolute ultimate.
Go milkweed!
Thank you for this reminder that I am on track.
Now I'm in a quandary ~ to "harvest" them so they safely pupate or leave them be where they are happily munching away....
How fun to find them at fifth instars! How many did you find? I "rescued" three monarch caterpillars at the third instar stage. It was very rewarding to see them go through the final stages. I used an old aquarium with a screen top, and we got to see them form their chrysalises, and then about 11-12 days later, we watched them emerge. So amazing! It was fun to set them free, too. Great caterpillar munching photos!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | September 13, 2015 at 07:37 PM
So exciting! What did you end up doing? I am hoping to find some on my milkweed next year since there were none this year. Great photos!
Posted by: Dana | September 16, 2015 at 07:19 PM
I debated that for years, but this year, a friend gave me two cats to raise indoors. What a thrill! Why did I wait so long for this? Bring them in, you won't be sorry!
Posted by: Robin | September 16, 2015 at 08:38 PM