New to Forum

[susanlynne48]

Hi, everyone, I'm new to the forum, and this was my first year to raise and release Monarchs. I've had about 75, a small number I know.

I haven't applied for the Monarch Waystation yet 'cause I'm on disability and every cent counts, and if I have anything left, it goes to host plants, containers, etc.

I only lost about 5 cats/chrysalids due to unknown reasons. Some just didn't molt correctly and 2 due to operator error - I dropped the chrysalids. Fumble fingers.

I have 10 to release this morning. Maybe I had over 75 cats to raise. All I know if they are still laying eggs on the milkweed (curassavica), and I'm still bringing in babies.

Can you tag without being a Waystation participant?

Thank you and I'm happy to be here!

Susan

[Pat]

Welcome! Anyone can participate in the tagging, you don't have to be maintaining a Waystation. And if you need to get host plants started, lots of folks here will share their milkweed seeds. Only thing is, the tags for this season are already all sold, so next spring if you want to get in on the tagging fun, you can order tags for '07 then and MonarchWatch has them delivered just before the migration starts.

[susanlynne48]

Thanks, I kinda figured it was too late for the tagging. I just had so many, and am so pleased to be able to contribute to the population and the migration!

They are a bit of a handful to raise, though! Thank goodness I AM on disability. Working, I don't think I would have had the time to attend to them. Having wondered what I would do with my time at home, I worried for naught! They are so precious and beautiful. As I said, even the neighbors have commented on the increase in butterfly activity in the neighborhood!

I have plenty of milkweed seeds coming, so I think I'm set. I also have A. verticillata (forgot about that), and will be winter sowing A. incarnata and speciosa.

I also have pipevines (3 species), Rue, cassia (3 species), passion vines (3), and lots of nectar plants, like zinnias, cosmos, Joe Pye Weed, Asters, garlic chives (the hairstreaks love this!), verbena bonariensis, malva, monarda, lantana, daturas, gaillardia, coneflowers, agastaches, cleomes, morning glories, speedwell, and lovely rotting bananas for the hackberries, tawnies, and Question Marks. I just need to find some hops rhizomes for next year, and I'll be pretty much set.

Susan

[MILW]

I'd love to see a picture of your garden! That's an amazing list of plants.
Check here, there may still be some tags left!

cheers- Scott

[Teresa]

Susan, I know what you mean about them being time consuming. I work fulltime and my morning and evening are all about monarhs all summer. Last year i released over 600 (tagged 150) and they kept me busy. The problem with having that many is about every other night (after tending to monarchs) I was driving the countryside for milkweed to feed them and that always brought in more with taking off eggs and cats. Thank God for my husband. LOL keep up the good work

[freda]

Teresa, I got tired just reading your post! 600 released???? I can imagine the work involved in that process. We have 86 crysalids taped in our cage and another 50 or so nearing that stage. And I'm tired! And running out of milkweed. Milkweed supply is a serious concern for us as we don't have any in our area. We moved some plants from 80 miles away, back in '96 and while they are spreading they're not keeping up with the demand.

I'd love to see photos of your 'production.'

[Teresa]

My cousin learned the hard way about rearing monarch in an area that doesn't produce milkweed much. I was mailing boxes of it to her just to feed them. I really need to take some pics and post them of my set up one of these days. hehehe

[Sandwhy]

Hey Teresa - any photos of your setup?? I'd love to see how 600 monarchs are raised/released...!!!!!!!!!

Impressive.

Sandy

[Mona Miller]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26695859@N00/2233356050/
Photo of Monarch Chrysalises attached to roof of screen tent.

I use a 10x12 screen tent, but you must secure it down and provide at least 1/3 to 1/2 shade. I do not leave the chrysalises attached to the roof. I will take them down after they have hardened.

I will put in several pots of milkweed and nectar plants with females that are gravid. Let them lay eggs for a few days and then release them. If you keep them too long you will have way too many eggs to raise. I have had to go out to a field and collect milkweed because I usually run out every year.

After they have finished their cycle, I will convert the screen tent to a place for them to nectar for a few days. Then, I will release them.