I have been keeping a watchful eye out on the caterpillars for weeks now. They’ve been inside when it dips below 55. I’ve had 35 caterpillars in various forms. About a week ago, I was able to bring the habitat outside again, and it sits on the deck just outside my sunroom. Easy access, and a good way to keep an eye on their development.
On Wednesday the first butterfly emerged from his chrysalis in the butterfly habitat. I’ve never gone through this process before, so it’s all new to me on timing and what to expect. Anyway, he seemed to want to be still a lot, didn’t seem interested in drying out his wings very much. It perplexes me. He didn’t even seem to want to go outside the habitat, so I figured he was just getting his strength.
Then, this morning, he seemed to have good energy, so I opened the screen for him to fly out. First he hopped onto a Cleome plant that I had in a pot nearby. After another 45 or so minutes, I saw him pumping his wings. He climbed towards the top of the plant, had a bit of nectar, and then took off, flying high in the sky before I knew it!
One down, 31 to go! (3 have deformed chrysalises.) I’m a proud foster mom to these Monarchs.