WInter Monarchs in Florida

[cliff4kelly]

This is my first year growing Monarchs. The growth rate of the "cats" to crystalis to butterfly has slowed signifigantly now that the weather has cooled. I just had a butterrfly emerge from crystalis and it was after 7pm! During the summer all of my Monacrhs emerged from crystalis in the early morning hours as the sun was rising. I released 7 Monarchs this afternoon, and should have another 14 - 20 tomorrow. The weather has warmed and things should move faster in the next few days.

[cliff4kelly]

14 healthy Monarchs so far today!

Another 8 going to crystalis soon too!

[Mona Miller]

Cold temperatures do slow down the cycle. Hot temperatures will speed up the cycle.

We have 3-4 inches of snow on the ground. All the butterflies outside are asleep in their leaf nests or chrysalis.

[cliff4kelly]

I released 49 healthy Monarchs this week. The weather has cooled now, so the process has slowed considerably. When the weather warmed earlier this week, the Monarchs were hatching out of their chrysalis at all times of the days and nights.
I like the slower pace of the colder temperatures though, (the wasps are almost gone too!) as it gives me a chance to stop, look and wonder at nature.