I am now the proud mommy of 5 monarch caterpillars! Well, okay, so I'm not technically their mommy, but I AM their caretaker. I have them in two big gallon jars with milkweed plants and netting over the top. They are eating and resting and pooping continuously. I hope they will make it to chrysalis stage and then emerge as butterflies! I am getting help from some pro- monarch raisers, like Linnea, and John with the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Here are some pictures that Linnea shared with me of her successful butterfly raising. I hope to do as well. Jade and I will have to release them out at the farm!

new arrival

Larva on milkweed

male butterfly

black chrysalis before emerging

So this is VERY exciting for me. I have been wanting more pets lately, and while these guys are not actually pets, they are wild creatures, they are satisfying some of my needs for taking care of living things. and they are so darn cute! Especially the baby one that is no longer than my thumbnail. Keep your fingers crossed for them! I will let you know when I will be releasing them so you can come out to the museum if you want to witness it.

Blessings!