Monarch Caterpillar
There was a good break in the rain late today so I grabbed the camera and went right to the milkweed to see how the caterpillars were doing. With all the leaves on the plants this caterpillar goes for the blooms! Oh well, that's why milkweed is called a food plant. No luck on finding any chrysalis.
I'm searching a ten foot radius from each milkweed patch as a starting point. Scanning is more the operative word. Most of the time I've found a chrysalis it's been located a foot or so from the ground. They'll form anywhere as I've found them attached to grasses, leaves, branches and fences. I don't rule out an area after I've scanned it as often a chrysalis is in plain sight and easily missed.
After the rain moves out tonight, I'm due for days sunshine. Should be great photo weather this weekend!
tags: photo monarch caterpillar
5 comments:
Great composition!
Curious? They form on the grass? Have you ever accidentally stepped on one then?
I try an watch my step when I am walking so I don't step on bugs like ants (silly I know). I figure they have a right to exist too.
By grass I meant the ornametal grass that has long stalks. Caterpillars have a few feet of grass stalk to form up on. The lowest to the ground one was the one I moved last winter. It formed up on the plastic lawn edging about two inches from the ground. I had to move it otherwise I'd hit it with the weed wacker.
I've accidently stepped on a few caterpillars though. Mot recently but it's happened.
As always, you get the most amazing shots!
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