Now I have a collection of stalks in my backyard!
We currently have (at least) 10 ravenous caterpillars eating away at the milkweed. I don't think there will be a leaf left when they move on to make their chrysalises.
Ever seen a caterpillar's belly?
Hungry Hungry Hippos!
Head shot.They seem to eat all the leaves and then crawl to the top and lop off the flowers. Last week, there was a seed pod on one stalk that popped open. I collected the seeds (left alone they would scatter all over, each seed has a little fluffy "wing" to carry it in the wind) and planted some in pots. Today I had 5 sprouts (out of 12 seeds).
Of the last group (5 caterpillars) I haven't found a single chrysalis. My next door neighbor (the one who's yard is behind my butterfly garden) has a lot of ficus trees. So they could be right over my head and I can't find them.
You are really getting some great photos though!
ReplyDeleteNow that the cats are large, have you thought about placing them in captivity so you can see the chrysalises and release the butterflies? We wait until the cats are large and then place them in a butterfly "netting" cage. They make their chrysalises at the top and then our kids can release the butterflies once they emerge. Just a thought. Our kids love it. We have released two butterflies this year and have 19 chrysalises right now. Have fun with your cats! :)
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