My 2012 season ended today...

[dandjtaylor]

With outside temperatures in the 50s, and winds gusting pretty strong, it didn't appear to be a good day for Monarchs. With a single chrysalis in my grow room that was clear this morning, I thought I would be hanging on to him til tomorrow. But at lunchtime, there were several migrant monarchs on the butterfly bushes so my hopes went up.

Upon checking on the "chrysalis", he was a perfect butterfly already warmed and ready. I took him out and let him catch wind. He flew to near the top of one of the backyard trees and landed with his wings to the sun. Hopefully, he and the others still moving through beat the odds.

Final tally: 1,602 monarch butterflies reared from eggs collected in the garden as well as the wild patches. This exceeds my record year of last year by over 500. (And all winter last year, I told the wife I would keep it under 200 for sanity's sake, so much for that)

Now I can rest for a few months!

[blazing star]

Tremendous. I love it!

[Mona Miller]

You numbers are outstanding.

I don't even think I got to 500 Monarchs this year. But, I also raise other butterflies, too.

[rmassa8]

Hi Dwayne!

I am not too far south of you in Somerset, MA. Wow! And I thought I was a big shot raising 100 butterflies this summer - a record for me! I am humbled by your accomplishment and I hope all our little guys and gals have a safe trip south.

Raising 100 butterflies consumed many hours of my time. I cannot imagine the work you put into all of yours. Enjoy a well deserved rest.

Rochele

[blazing star]

I don't get it either. I was stressed raising 28 at one time. It's amazing.

[dandjtaylor]

Well, usually every summer, I dedicate about 2 hours a day (or more), after work, to the caring. This year, my wife was not in the best of health, so instead of boating on the weekends, I pretty much spent the summer weekends in the backyard collecting every egg I could and doing all of the sterilizing that needed to be done.

No, we cannot go out of town during that time, but maybe next year. My yard and setup inspired a neighbor's friend to collect and she was successful with 100 this first summer. So, she and I could take care of each others' cats while the other goes away for brief outings.

But I am glad it is over for now...I can relax for a few months.

THanks, All. Let's hope for good survival rates.

[4monarchs]

I am coming to the end of my season as well. Thought I was done finding eggs Labor Day weekend, but found 20 more on some really ratty milkweed in my garden on 9/9. I think God sent them to me because my mom passed away that day, and He knew I needed a few more caterpillars to hang on to. Had 16 caterpilars survive to pupate, with 8 eclosing yesterday and 3 today. Only one left to go. Haven't let them go yet with a freeze warning tonight, and worried about the 3 I fed and released yesterday. Don't know where anyone will find nectar if everything freezes. Usually find my first eggs last week of June, but this year it was Mother's Day! Raised over 300 before I could even begin tagging them, and went through all of my 300 tags with about 40 butterflies left. Only tagged 150 last year. Outstanding year...I'm getting better at it with each summer.

[laurierountree]

In late August I rescued 16 eggs from an area to be mowed. All 16 hatched. It took a long time, probably due to temperature, to form the chrysalis. In the past week I have released 6 but it has been windy and cold. Most wouldn't eat, and I too have found that males are easier to feed.
Today I have 2 fed yesterday so they must be 48 hours, 2 eclosed yesterday and 6 chrysalises left. All look viable and one or two will eclose today. It is cold. When we got up it was 30--now 40. There is a strong breeze and rain coming. Do they stand a chance? We are in midcoast Maine. I have released about 130 and given away another 40 or so. It has been my best year so far. We have a short season. I never find eggs or cats before July.

[dandjtaylor]

I still saw monarchs today, at 54 degrees flying over Salem Harbor while I was taking the boat to the marina. So, I think there is hope for them.

[Mona Miller]

As long as the temps stay above 24 degrees and dry. The Monarchs in the fall also become a little more cold hardy.

[4monarchs]

I agree that they do seem to be hardier...and more restless to leave. We went to Cape May, NJ last weekend and the temps dropped from the 80's to the 40's on Saturday. It was rather chilly that morning, but I kept watch on the butterfly bushes in the backyard of the house we had rented and although temps in the low 50's, the monarchs were feeding. As the day warmed up the Skippers, Red Admirals and Painted Ladies joined the party. Wimps!

Had a hard freeze here in NJ last night and I woke up to temp of 28! Watched in dismay as my zinnias, salvia (for the last Hummers), and marigolds turned brown and limp as the day progressed. I did see that the ragweed in the area and thistle along the road are still OK, so will release everyone tomorrow as it warms up after a good feeding. Only one chrsalis left...my last caterpillar Squirt, that was a late bloomer.

[Mona Miller]

Field asters are still in bloom here in Virginia. They can take a hard frost.

[rbtbob]

I have released 31 this fall with around 20 chrysalises still remaining. The migration here was beautiful to see. The first week of October was just awesome as many Monarchs seemed to be pushed thru by a cold front.Still have Cloudless Sulfurs passing thru and the occasional Monarch. I am still releasing one or two a day, hoping they can find their way south.