This first week of Monarch season has been pretty successful! On Monday, I found another 4 eggs on the milkweed surrounding my house. There has been a female with a torn wing that has been hanging around these last few days. I think she has found a good spot as there are tons of nectar sources in my small yard, plus shelter and water, and, of course, plenty of blooming milkweed. She may not be able to fly well, but she'll be safe here.
Yesterday, I took a chance and went to a place in Hereford that seems to be magic for Monarchs. I was able to find 34 TINY larvae - all about 2 days old in in their 1st instar. They must have been laid all at the same time. Today, I walked over to Warren Elementary to a Monarch Way Station which Steve and I maintain. There I found 9 more larvae and another 4 eggs.
So, with over 50 little beings on my kitchen island, I am off to a good start. These guys are all third generation, so the won't get tags, but I feel if I help boost the numbers, there will be even more of the 4th generation - the ones that make that epic migration.
Yesterday, I took a chance and went to a place in Hereford that seems to be magic for Monarchs. I was able to find 34 TINY larvae - all about 2 days old in in their 1st instar. They must have been laid all at the same time. Today, I walked over to Warren Elementary to a Monarch Way Station which Steve and I maintain. There I found 9 more larvae and another 4 eggs.
So, with over 50 little beings on my kitchen island, I am off to a good start. These guys are all third generation, so the won't get tags, but I feel if I help boost the numbers, there will be even more of the 4th generation - the ones that make that epic migration.