Monarch Caterpillar

[Axeman]

I have, since a kid, been searching for a monarch a caterpillar. Unfortunately I had no idea what milkweed looks like. Last year, a neighbour showed me a couple of plants.

The other day, I was walking by a couple of plants and noticed one plant had leaves with holes. EUREKA ! I found one. It was a lot smaller than I expected. Anyway, I collected it with the stalk of milkweed. I'm really surprised at the rate at which it feeds and how quickly it grows...its dramatic...you can notice a change in size within hours.

[Halton Hills]

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You can keep it alive and easily see it through all the stages.......it's very cool :wink:

Just keep feeding it fresh milkweed leaves.......and keep it outside (out of direct sunlight)

This stage only lasts about 2 weeks.......make sure whatever container you have it in is large enough for the next stage.

Place a couple of twigs such that they run from the base on up.

They should have a horizontal run that's at least 6 inches above the floor (with a clear area below it)

The caterpillar will eventually pupate and transform into a incredibly detailed chrysalis hanging from one of the twigs.

It will be a beautiful green colour with gold highlights.

Another 2 weeks later, the pupa will turn clear and the butterfly will emerge, hanging a few hours until it's wings dry.

It will pump fluid into the wings to force them to unfurl.......that's why it needs a clear area to hang.

You can then let it go.........and it will soon start it's long flight to Mexico.


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[Howieh]

Great write up Halton Hills, I have just one thing to add:

You can usually tell the night before when the butterfly is ready to emerge so if you want to take pictures try the following (I've done it many times in the past). The butterfly will usually start emerging at first light the next day so if you can arrange to cover it with a dark object (a bucket is good) you can set up your gear and uncover him (or her?) when you are ready but don't be surprised if you get up late and the monarch is already out! and don't forget to arrange a good background AND if you have a video cam (most recent P&S cameras take pretty good video) it's also worth a try.

The last time I did it I moved the new monarch to an orchid for some great shots before releasing it.

[Axeman]

Thanks HH and Howieh for the tips.

I just can't get over how quick it's growing. It is an eating and pooping machine. Even the size of its's poop has GROWN.

My daughter and I are definitely having a magical experience. Your tips are helpful.

Now when I found the caterpillar, it was perhaps 3 mm long. It was the only caterpillar on the plant. There were a few other milkweed plants nearby and some had partially eaten leaves but no monarch caterpillars. Do the females lay their eggs on the milkweed plants? Are there other caterpillars feeding on milkweed?

[Halton Hills]

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Yep......they grow pretty fast......like I said, this stage only lasts about 2 weeks, so they need to get a lot done fast.

The female Monarch does lay the egg on the Milkweed plant......usually on the underside of the leaf.

The milky juice (for which the plant is named) can be toxic.

But, despite the chemical defense......it is still a larval food source for Monarchs (and their relatives) as well as a variety of other insects.

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[Axeman]

I think it's pupating...it has spent the day hanging upside down from a leaf....

[Axeman]

I peeked into the jar today and noticed that ummm...the last leaves I picked to feed the caterpillar must have had eggs on them because...there are two new tiny monarch caterpillars.

Last Friday, I was up at Sauble Beach and noticed a lot of monarchs on the beach...curious why that might be.

[Axeman]

Well it eclosed today...3 days early based on a estimate of 2 weeks....so we took pictures (not good enough for this board)....I checked yesterday around 2 pm (Saturday -- the day before it eclosed) and the pupa was still green and I couldn't see any signs of it preparing to eclose...anyway, we have 2 more that are soon to pupate...I have to say, it was a lot of fun. Thanks guys !