Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Story & photos by Gail K.

Hello fellow gardeners-with Michigan’s summer season coming to an end-
Monarchs will be heading south-I would like to share some final photos of my brood.

ABOVE: can you see the wing inside—- needless to say.neither of the twins, hatched; for some reason, the butterflysuffered a virus or other issue which destroyed it beforeit could.
BELOW: success!!!!      newly hatched   note its chrysalis

ABOVE:   a young caterpillar munches away while a newly hatched
Monarch dries its wings on the same milkweed plant.

BELOW:  hello, are you my sibling??

its wings just dry enough, the butterfly takes to the air landing on a nearby sedum; the flower nectar will provide much needed energy– a gentle breeze and sunshine will allow the wings to completely dry before fully adapting to its new life.

Following the butterfly around the yard- I make an observation: It would extend ?? appendage out then draw it back from what I assumed was its mouth.

Was it drinking ??? How cool-but wait.  I just learned, the Monarch is a Nymphalidae. Meaning, despite 6 legs it stands on its rear and middle legs only, curling its shorter front legs up. Was this merely a front leg???

A butterfly uses it feet to “taste” but not drink- I still say it was drinking……What do you think I saw??  
Irregardless, we bid farewell to the Monarchs; their departure
a sign of Fall. To ensure their legacy, they must leave Michigan & travel
great distances to reach a destination where they can start the cycle over…if they arrive safely, come spring, we will once again give witness to their rebirth when they return.

JUST ONE OF THE MANY MIRACLES IN NATURE.

NEXT: THE DAHLIAS ARE COMING…….