El Nino & Winter Monarchs in Florida

[cliff4kelly]

It's been a tough winter trying to raise Monarchs in St. Petersburg FL during an El Nino. Early in January the temperatures were at freezing for 3 nights and most of the flowers around are frozen to the ground (yes, even the native plants!). I brought all "Cats" inside and covered some of my Milkweed which helped keep everything alive. I now have 21 chrysalis just waiting for a few warm sunny days. I'm going to have to transport them to another area of the county that didn't freeze, as there are not many flowers near by for nectar.
I've been through El Nino here before, but this is by far the coldest winter I can remember here. I feel bad for raising the Monarchs during such a cold winter. There are no "Cats' left in the garden now, but the weather for March looks promising and my Milkweed seeds are germinating well for spring planting.
Does anyone know how long a chrysalis will remain viable (I'm keeping them warm w/a light a night and covered at times too)?
Thank you!!!

[Mona Miller]

A naturalist friend of mine had pupae of Monarchs for a good 6-8 weeks before they eclosed (emerged). The cold weather can delay all the cycles in a major way. Hot weather speeds up the cycles.

I'd say if the pupae is green and there are no black spots that there is a good chance you will one day see a healthy butterfly.

I am a bit confused. Are they outside or inside? Why a light at night and covered? What type of light/cover?

[cliff4kelly]

I have a small butterfly "house" my Husband made me last spring. We live in a heavily populated area w/smaller lots, so space is at a prememium! I’m still trying to talk him into a small greenhouse!!! The house is enclosed w/screening and I can pick it up and move it around to other areas of my yard. One morning after a cold night last month (maybe 40 degrees) I checked on the Cats and I thought they were frozen! They almost looked like their feet had gelled/melted!?!?! Once the sun came out they all "came back to life"! Ever since then when it gets colder than "normal", I use a cover and light. The cover and spot light keep it about 10 degrees warmer inside the house. The Cats seem MUCH happier in the morning when I uncover them. Actually, they will congregate near the lights warmth.
The chrysalis I have are about 2-3 weeks old now and look like jewels, so I think they are alright. February is supposed to be 10 degrees below the normal temps here, but our weather here should return to "normal" come March.
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!

[Mona Miller]

40 degrees at night, maybe 50 degrees with the light and blanket. How high are the temps during the day? It will take them longer to pupate.

[cliff4kelly]

During the day the highs have been in the low 60's and high 50's. We're having a cold snap now, so I covered the house and turned on the light last night. Local weather said the low last night was 45 here, still about 10 degrees below normal.

[Mona Miller]

You are simulating the weather in Mexico. Around 60 during the day and drops to 30/40 at night, but the Monarchs in Mexico are in a different stage. Keep up the good work. Everything is frozen here in VA, including the people.

[cliff4kelly]

I had three healthy Monarchs this week!!! Two males and a female that looked great after spending just over 4 weeks at chrysalis. The temperatures are starting to warm up some so hopefully the other 18 chrysalis will emerge this week.
How far/fast will a Monarch fly? After releasing the female on Wed., I went to one of our rental properties (about 2 miles from my house) and there was a female Monarch on the Lantana. Just wondering if it could have been mine.

[Mona Miller]

After their wings dry, that can take up to 2-3 hours depending on the weather, you can take a permanent marker and mark the underside. I put 'M's on the underside. I had females stay in the late summer in an area that had abundant milkweed and nectar sources for up to 5 days.

http://www.monarchwatch.com/read/faq2.htm#4
"4. How fast do individual migrating Monarchs fly?
Clearly, the flight speed of such a small organism depends on environmental such as wind speed and direction relative to the heading (direction) of the butterfly. Monarchs are slow fliers relative to other butterflies and moths, flapping their wings only 5-12 times per second. Their flight speeds have been measured at 5 meters per second, 18 km or 12 miles per hour; but, if disturbed, they can fly much faster for short distances...."