I found nine new eggs today!

[BlizzardNole]

My tropical milkweeds are coming back after being nearly defoliated by the huge batch of cats these last few weeks. I was checking them out today and I found nine new eggs! I guess these guys will be adults in mid-October....I hope we don't get an early frost or freeze before then because my tropicals would be goners.

If that DOES happen, will common MW survive it? I could use that as a source since I know where a good supply is.

[Mona Miller]

I have heard of and had some that did survive a hard freeze, but the freeze also does a number on the milkweed. I try to put some in the shelter of my porch before the freeze hits. And, then take it inside. This year my pots are huge. Wonder what my dinning room will look like.

There was a very faded, tattered female out laying still. She has been in my yard for over a week. Still laying eggs.

[Monarch MaMa]

I got some nice healthy common milkweed leaves and after washing them, put them in a ziplock bag in my refrigerator. They stayed 'fresh' for 2 weeks. Try to collect some before the weatherman warns of frost. You might also cover wild milkweed with old sheets if you can get the property owner's permission. We've always saved our tomatoes from early frost by covering them.

[maryeleek]

What happens if the butterflies eclose after fall weather has arrived? Will they head south immediately?

I, too, am still finding eggs and hatchlings in my area (North Little Rock, AR). I think our first frost is usually late Oct or early Nov, what happens to the late butterflies if they come along after nectar flowers are dying from a frost?

Mary

[Mona Miller]

If I have them and they are late, I mail them further south.

If it is above 50, you can release them. They may be able to travel further enough south to find nectar sources. Some have traveled pretty far in one day if the migration weather is good.

I've noticed that those fall migrants seem to eclose with pretty full abdomens. Maybe the fall migrant caterpillar knows that they have to put on a few extra ounces. I know the butterfly is able to put on extra weight. Perhaps, keep a few days and feed it before you release it if you can't mail it further south. Remember, you have to have a permit to mail over state lines.