A Generation is Born

Faithful readers may recall that I planted two milkweed plants last April to attract monarch butterflies.  Over the summer, I was a bit disappointed to see just one visitor flitting by, but I was also thrilled because one is certainly more than none.  Imagine my astonishment last week when I discovered eleven fat and healthy monarch caterpillars munching happily on the pods and leaves!

I’ve checked on them multiple times a day, released an army of ladybugs to rid their food source of invasive aphids, and shielded the caterpillars from the yard crew.  I’m so excited I can hardly stand myself…  you’d think I was birthing them myself.  I believe they have about a week left before moving on to their next stage of metamorphosis, and I hope I’m a witness to the miracle.