Herndon, VA -- 21 caterpillars, 1 adult

[Mona Miller]

Just when I thought I'd not see anymore activity until next Spring, I find 21 second to third instars on my tropical milkweeds today. I was out today washing the aphids off the milkweed and hoping that it would be able to flower and go to seed before winter. All of a sudden, I started seeing Monarch caterpillars. I've taken them inside to speed up their cycle. Our inside temp during the fall is well below 85 so they should remain in diapause. If it gets really cold, I'll try to see if I can get them a ride down to Virginia Beach again.

I also saw one adult nectaring, but didn't get a chance to see whether it is a male or female.