Another 4th instar in October

[Schmetterling]

Today I released the last of butterfly from the collection of 30 eggs found Sept 8th. We have had beautiful weather here in Michigan, so after my release I went to look for a moth caterpillar that I noticed eating my milkweed earlier this week. I did some research and I believe it was a tiger moth. Anyway, didn't find the moth cat, but did find another 4th instar monarch. Right near my milkweed I have a lot of dill, and found my very first black swallowtail caterpillars. Not sure how to raise them so time for some more research. What a great day in nature!.

[lib66laur]

A great weekend! On Saturday my husband noticed a chrysalis hanging from the underside of a lawn chair that had been propped on its side in the garage. I'm not used to those kinds of surprises! All I can guess is that it pupated when it was nice last weekend (or before) meaning it had a ride around the yard as I kept moving my chair to be in the sun. I must have walked by that chair dozens of times and never noticed! It eclosed yesterday, healthy and beautiful as did three more that I reared. I call that a good day!!

[Schmetterling]

What a funny story, have you seen (can't remember under what heading) on this website about funny places to pupate? Worth trying to find if you haven't seen them.

[lib66laur]

Will look ~ thanks!!