Death of a Monarch

[tartandtiny]

On a good note, I have successfully tagged and released 15 butterflies.

In the process, 4 didnt make it. Falling from hatching and getting crumples wings that couldnt be straightened or not being able to fly. What causes some to be helpless after hatching and what can I do with the butterfly that is obviously not going to make it?

[Mona Miller]

They could be weakened by having OE. That would cause them to fall. Or, the container is too slippery and they couldn't get a foot hold. This is why I use net containers.

If you are sure, it cannot fly, either keep inside and feed or put in the frig and then the freezer (a gentle death).

[tartandtiny]

I have them in the folding netted laundry hampers. Pleanty to cling to and climb up on. I think OE might be to blame as well. 20 successful out of two dozen, I think it was particular to the butterfly not the container. It is just so sad when they dont make it.

Perhaps I will try the freezer method next year if I come into the same trouble.

Only 2 chrysalis to go and one 3rd stage cat -- a late bloomer

I am sad to see another year come to an end.

Any advise on preparing for next year?

[Mona Miller]

My advice to myself and others is plant more milkweed. Learn about OE, it isn't going away.

[Paul Cherubini]

What causes some to be helpless after hatching and what can I do with the butterfly that is obviously not going to make it?

The usual reason, in my experience, is the caterpillars were fed wilted milkweed cuttings. The cuttings
need to me immersed in water. If they aren't, the caterpillars gets insufficient moisture from their food
and thus the chrysalis had insufficient moisture as well and the butterfly ends up weak or crippled.

[ilsa]

My advice to myself and others is plant more milkweed. Learn about OE, it isn't going away.

I second that advice!