Recent Uploads tagged monarchcaterpillarandaphid, with geodata

Black, yellow and white striped Monarch caterpillar even devours the stem of the Milkweed!

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:26:17 -0800

The Milkweed is now eaten almost to the ground... all the leaves, all the stems. And yet in a few weeks this Milkweed will revive, sending out new leaves and flowers in time for the next set of Monarch eggs and caterpillars to eat through them again. Thus goes the cooperative life cycle of the Monarch and the Milkweed.

Monarch caterpillar
Biscayne Park, FL

Architecture of red and gold Milkweed up close

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:57:31 -0800

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Dec 1, 2011 #91

Is this what a Monarch sees as it zeroes in on Milkweed?

Such an amazing structure! Geometric. Structural. Designed with a profound purpose... the reproduction of the Monarch!

Transparent wings of Monarch Butterfly sipping nectar from purple flower

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Mon, 30 May 2011 09:00:58 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore May 30, 2011 #56

What a sight! The wings are almost tissue-like as they sun highlights and streams through them! My heart is pounding!

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). (The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hind wing.)

Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger. Monarchs can be found in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Florida's Monarchs are unique in that they do not migrate out of the state during the winter (although they are thought to move further south when cold spells approach). In fact, Florida Monarchs are the most active and most visible here during the winter months. It is also thought that Monarchs from the Northeastern U.S. winter in Florida. It is presumed that these butterflies do not return to the north in spring, but their children do.

Metamorphosis is the series of developmental stages that insects go through to become adults. Butterflies and moths have four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 30 to 40 days to complete its life cycle, with warmer temperatures generally being responsible for faster development.

Monarch females lay their eggs on Milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. The eggs are laid singly and generally on the undersides of leaves. The eggs are about the size of a periods at the end of a sentence and whitish in color. Three to six days later, they hatch.

The newly hatched caterpillar is so small that it can barely be seen but grows quickly, feeding on nothing but Milkweed leaves. In 9 to 14 days it's full grown, about 2" long. The caterpillar has eight pairs of stubby legs. The first three pair of legs will become the butterfly's legs. Like a snake or a crab, a Monarch caterpillar sheds its skin five times during the larval stage.

When the caterpillar is full grown it usually leaves the milkweed plant and can crawl 30 to 40 feet from the milkweed) to find a safe place to pupate. The caterpillar creates a silk-like mat, attaches its last pair of legs to it, and allows itself to drop and hangs upside down in a J-shape for approximately one day.

The caterpillar's skin is shed for the last time as it passes from the larval (caterpillar) stage to the pupa (chrysalis) stage of metamorphosis. This time there is a jade green casing (chrysalis) under the caterpillar's skin. Immediately after the skin is shed, the inch long chrysalis is soft. Looking at the pupae, you can still see the ribbed body of the caterpillar inside. Then the chrysalis hardens to a beautiful jade green. Dramatic changes occur inside. The mouth parts transform from those needed for chewing into a straw-like tongue (proboscis) which the butterfly will need to sip nectar from flowers.

Most Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, Danainae, Nymphalidae
For more see my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees. And Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Monarch Caterpillar climbs the stem of a Crown Milkweed

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:21:01 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

Which end is which? Yes, that's the question a predator asks. This double-ended design gives the caterpillar some protection! Check out his or her shiny black and white feet.

Metamorphosis is the series of developmental stages that insects go through to become adults. Butterflies and moths have four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 30 to 40 days to complete its life cycle, with warmer temperatures generally being responsible for faster development.

Monarch females lay their eggs on Milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. The eggs are laid singly and generally on the undersides of leaves. The eggs are about the size of a periods at the end of a sentence and whitish in color. Three to six days later, they hatch.

The newly hatched caterpillar is so small that it can barely be seen but grows quickly, feeding on nothing but Milkweed leaves. In 9 to 14 days it's full grown, about 2" long. The caterpillar has eight pairs of stubby legs. The first three pair of legs will become the butterfly's legs. Like a snake or a crab, a Monarch caterpillar sheds its skin five times during the larval stage.

When the caterpillar is full grown it usually leaves the milkweed plant and can crawl 30 to 40 feet from the milkweed) to find a safe place to pupate. The caterpillar creates a silk-like mat, attaches its last pair of legs to it, and allows itself to drop and hangs upside down in a J-shape for approximately one day.

The caterpillar's skin is shed for the last time as it passes from the larval (caterpillar) stage to the pupa (chrysalis) stage of metamorphosis. This time there is a jade green casing (chrysalis) under the caterpillar's skin. Immediately after the skin is shed, the inch long chrysalis is soft. Looking at the pupae, you can still see the ribbed body of the caterpillar inside. Then the chrysalis hardens to a beautiful jade green. Dramatic changes occur inside. The mouth parts transform from those needed for chewing into a straw-like tongue (proboscis) which the butterfly will need to sip nectar from flowers.

Most Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). (The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hind wing.)

Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger. Monarchs can be found in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Florida's Monarchs are unique in that they do not migrate out of the state during the winter (although they are thought to move further south when cold spells approach). In fact, Florida Monarchs are the most active and most visible here during the winter months. It is also thought that Monarchs from the Northeastern U.S. winter in Florida. It is presumed that these butterflies do not return to the north in spring, but their children do..

See my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees. And Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

The Monarch life cycle... Milkweed and bees are essential!

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:24:43 -0800

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Dec 15, 2010 #43

When broken, the stem and all parts of this plant produce a white, milky latex. Milkweeds produce pods filled with orange brown seeds with silky parachute-like fibers which become wind born to ensure reseeding.

Most milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

Milkweed is essential for not just the Monarch butterfly but other butterflies including the Viceroy and Queen.

Tropical Milkweed, Bloodflower or Mexican Milkweed
Asclepias curassavica

Brilliant mosiac wings of a Monarch butterfly

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:34:14 -0800

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Dec 14, 2010 #93

This butterfly landed near me and began flapping its wings as I took one shot after another... waiting for the second when the wings were open so you can fully see their amazing color and beauty!

The Monarch life cycle is a marvelous story! The Monarch butterfly lays its eggs on the Milkweed. The caterpillars hatch and devour the Milkweed plant... almost to the ground. The newly emerging butterflies lay their eggs on the Milkweed, and the cycle begins again.

These two species... Milkweed and Monarch caterpillars have it all worked out. The Milkweed gets a pruning and rapidly comes back. And the caterpillars get the exact food they need to prepare for life in a cocoon and profound transformation... from larvae to glorious butterfly!

The total time frame for one butterfly's life cycle is about 6-8 weeks... egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. It grows in the egg for about 4 days. Then it munches Milkweed as a caterpillar (larvae) for about 2 weeks, shedding its skin and facemask like a crab as it outgrows it. Larvae of the Danaus plexippus can defoliate a milkweed plant in one to two days. Life inside the chrysalis (pupa) lasts about 10 days and its colorful and glorious life as an adult butterfly... a precious 2 to 6 weeks. Most milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). (The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hind wing.) Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger.Monarchs can be found in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Florida's Monarchs are unique in that they do not migrate out of the state during the winter (although they are thought to move further south when cold spells approach). In fact, Florida Monarchs are the most active and most visible here during the winter months. It is also thought that Monarchs from the Northeastern U.S. over-winter in Florida. It is presumed that these butterflies do not return to the north in spring, but their children do..

See my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees. And Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

First of the Monarch caterpillars... looks big but only a 1/2 inch long!

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:55:44 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

The world of Macro is astounding! Zooming in I can see what has always eluded me before. Yellow Aphid eggs hatching and tiny Monarch caterpillars!

At 10+ magnification this caterpillar looks full size but it's not. Only about 1/2 inch long but with all the identifying yellow, black and white stripes!

Full wing Monarch on red and gold Milkweed

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:51:06 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Oct 19, 2011 #84

Wow, Mother Nature! How do you do it? The color, the pattern, the subtle similarities and brash contrasts! Outrageous brown mosaics and black and white polka dots! Amazing against the brilliant yellow and red crowns of Milkweed.

The Monarch life cycle is a marvelous story! The Monarch butterfly lays its eggs on the Milkweed. The caterpillars hatch and devour the Milkweed plant... almost to the ground. The newly emerging butterflies lay their eggs on the Milkweed, and the cycle begins again.

These two species... Milkweed and Monarch caterpillars have it all worked out. The Milkweed gets a pruning and rapidly comes back. And the caterpillars get the exact food they need to prepare for life in a cocoon and profound transformation... from larvae to glorious butterfly!

The total time frame for one butterfly's life cycle is about 6-8 weeks... egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. It grows in the egg for about 4 days. Then it munches Milkweed as a caterpillar (larvae) for about 2 weeks, shedding its skin and facemask like a crab as it outgrows it. Larvae of the Danaus plexippus can defoliate a milkweed plant in one to two days. Life inside the chrysalis (pupa) lasts about 10 days and its colorful and glorious life as an adult butterfly... a precious 2 to 6 weeks. Most milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). (The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hind wing.)

Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger.Monarchs can be found Brilliant mosaic of golds, browns and blacks! With black and white polka dotted head and wing patterns!

in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Florida's Monarchs are unique in that they do not migrate out of the state during the winter (although they are thought to move further south when cold spells approach). In fact, Florida Monarchs are the most active and most visible here during the winter months. It is also thought that Monarchs from the Northeastern U.S. over-winter in Florida. It is presumed that these butterflies do not return to the north in spring, but their children do..

See my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees, Florida Butterflies, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Striped Monarch caterpillar is munching on brilliant Milkweed leaves and flowers

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:24:41 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

Monarch caterpillars are savage eaters! Nothing... yes, nothing will be left of this Milkweed plant in a few days. Now they are chewing the leaves. Next they'll devour the buds and flowers. Hopefully the roots will survive and send up new leaves and flowers! Look at the stem of the opening bud above the bud cluster. It's hanging and almost cut through.

I love the yellow, black and white stripes of this lovely creature! And the stubby black feet.There are antennae on both ends. Which end is which? That's the question a predator asks. This double-ended design gives the caterpillar some protection! Already the mature Monarchs are laying new eggs on what is left of these plants so the life cycle will continue.

Most Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

Metamorphosis is the series of developmental stages that insects go through to become adults. Butterflies and moths have four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 30 to 40 days to complete its life cycle, with warmer temperatures generally being responsible for faster development.

Monarch females lay their eggs on Milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. The eggs are laid singly and generally on the undersides of leaves. The eggs are about the size of a periods at the end of a sentence and whitish in color. Three to six days later, they hatch.

The newly hatched caterpillar is so small it can barely be seen but grows quickly, feeding on nothing but Milkweed leaves. In 9 to 14 days it's full grown, about 2" long. The caterpillar has eight pairs of stubby legs. The first three pair of legs will become the butterfly's legs. Like a snake or a crab, a Monarch caterpillar sheds its skin five times during the larval stage.

When the caterpillar is full grown it can crawl 30 to 40 feet from the milkweed to find a safe place to pupate. The caterpillar creates a silk-like mat, attaches its last pair of legs to it, and allows itself to drop and hangs upside down in a J-shape for approximately one day.

The caterpillar's skin is shed for the last time as it passes from the larval (caterpillar) stage to the pupa (chrysalis) stage of metamorphosis. This time there is a jade green casing (chrysalis) under the caterpillar's skin. Immediately after the skin is shed, the inch long chrysalis is soft. Looking at the pupae, you can still see the ribbed body of the caterpillar inside. Then the chrysalis hardens to a beautiful jade green. Dramatic changes occur inside. The mouth parts transform from those needed for chewing into a straw-like tongue (proboscis) which the butterfly will need to sip nectar from flowers.

See my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees.

Yellow, black and white striped Monarch caterpillar is decimating Milkweed bush on its way to becoming a butterfly!

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:59:28 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Jun 8, 2011 #149

I bought 15 more Milkweed plants and now only two weeks later the Monarch caterpillars have not only eaten the leaves but also the flowers. And they are chewing their way through the stems! Hopefully they will get their fill and the Milkweed will survive, releaf and reflower so the butterfly stage can lay eggs on it!

It was exciting getting these plants at Home Depot because a Monarch butterfly kept flying around and landing on them... and I suspect, laying eggs on them. I tried repeatedly to catch her with the giggling support of a friendly employee but she eluded my hand. Sure enough a couple of days after I planted my 15 new Milkweed, they began disappearing and a couple of days after that I was able to see the tiny yellow, black and white caterpillars that were eating them up!

Yes, the butterfly may have eluded me. But her offspring are now thriving in our garden!

Monarch butterflies were so busy mating that I was able to get this close!

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:12:35 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo:

Yes, they are mating at this very moment and so caught up in it that I slowly crept in close and got about 10 shots with my macro! In amongst the branches.

Notice how they are pressing their abdomens together. The abdomen contains the bulk of the digestive, excretory and, at the end, the reproductive organs.

Metamorphosis is the series of developmental stages insects go through to become adults. Butterflies and moths have four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 30 to 40 days to complete its life cycle, with warmer temperatures generally being responsible for faster development.

Monarch females lay their eggs on Milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. The eggs are laid singly and generally on the undersides of leaves. The whitish eggs are about the size of a period at the end of a sentence. Three to six days later, they hatch into tiny caterpillars.

The newly hatched caterpillar is so small it can barely be seen but grows quickly, feeding on nothing but Milkweed leaves. In 9 to 14 days it's full grown, about 2" long. The caterpillar has eight pairs of stubby legs. The first three pair of legs will become the butterfly's legs. Like a snake or a crab, a Monarch caterpillar sheds its skin five times during the larval stage.

When the caterpillar is full grown it usually leaves the milkweed plant and can crawl 30 to 40 feet from the milkweed) to find a safe place to pupate. The caterpillar creates a silk-like mat, attaches its last pair of legs to it, and allows itself to drop and hangs upside down in a J-shape for approximately one day.

The caterpillar's skin is shed for the last time as it passes from the larval (caterpillar) stage to the pupa (chrysalis) stage of metamorphosis. This time there is a jade green casing (chrysalis) under the caterpillar's skin. Immediately after the skin is shed, the inch long chrysalis is soft. Looking at the pupae, you can still see the ribbed body of the caterpillar inside. Then the chrysalis hardens to a beautiful jade green. Dramatic changes occur inside. The mouth parts transform from those needed for chewing into a straw-like tongue (proboscis) which the butterfly will need to sip nectar from flowers.

Monarch butterfly is sipping nectar from rosy Pentas

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:16:38 -0800

jungle mama posted a photo:

A close up look at the butterfly at work... proboscis or drinking straw is inserted into the throat of the flower. Notice the black antennae and legs and repeating black and white dot patterns on the body and wings. What a gorgeous creature this is with its golden and orange sunset tones and mosaic details.

And the life cycle is fascinating... from yellow, black and white caterpillar to flying mosaic beauty! Monarchs lay their eggs, hatch and feed on Milkweed. In addition they visit Pentas for their energy producing nectar.

Metamorphosis is the series of developmental stages that insects go through to become adults. Butterflies and moths have four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 30 to 40 days to complete its life cycle, with warmer temperatures generally being responsible for faster development.

Monarch females lay their eggs on Milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. The eggs are laid singly and generally on the undersides of leaves. The eggs are about the size of a periods at the end of a sentence and whitish in color. Three to six days later, they hatch.

The newly hatched caterpillar is so small that it can barely be seen but grows quickly, feeding on nothing but Milkweed leaves. In 9 to 14 days it's full grown, about 2" long. The caterpillar has eight pairs of stubby legs. The first three pair of legs will become the butterfly's legs. Like a snake or a crab, a Monarch caterpillar sheds its skin five times during the larval stage.

When the caterpillar is full grown it usually leaves the milkweed plant and can crawl 30 to 40 feet from the milkweed) to find a safe place to pupate. The caterpillar creates a silk-like mat, attaches its last pair of legs to it, and allows itself to drop and hangs upside down in a J-shape for approximately one day.

The caterpillar's skin is shed for the last time as it passes from the larval (caterpillar) stage to the pupa (chrysalis) stage of metamorphosis. This time there is a jade green casing (chrysalis) under the caterpillar's skin. Immediately after the skin is shed, the inch long chrysalis is soft. Looking at the pupae, you can still see the ribbed body of the caterpillar inside. Then the chrysalis hardens to a beautiful jade green. Dramatic changes occur inside. The mouth parts transform from those needed for chewing into a straw-like tongue (proboscis) which the butterfly will need to sip nectar from flowers.

Most Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). (The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hind wing.)

Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger. Monarchs can be found in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Florida's Monarchs are unique in that they do not migrate out of the state during the winter (although they are thought to move further south when cold spells approach). In fact, Florida Monarchs are the most active and most visible here during the winter months. It is also thought that Monarchs from the Northeastern U.S. winter in Florida. It is presumed that these butterflies do not return to the north in spring, but their offspring do.

See my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees. And Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Striped Monarch caterpillar is eating away the Milkweed plant on the way to becoming a butterfly

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 10:37:15 -0800

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Dec 18, 2010 #331

Which end is which? Yes, that is the question a predator asks. This double-ended design gives the caterpillar some protection! Check out his or her shiny black and white feet.

Metamorphosis is the series of developmental stages that insects go through to become adults. Butterflies and moths have four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 30 to 40 days to complete its life cycle, with warmer temperatures generally being responsible for faster development.

Monarch females lay their eggs on Milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. The eggs are laid singly and generally on the undersides of leaves. The eggs are about the size of a periods at the end of a sentence and whitish in color. Three to six days later, they hatch.

The newly hatched caterpillar is so small that it can barely be seen but grows quickly, feeding on nothing but Milkweed leaves. In 9 to 14 days it's full grown, about 2" long. The caterpillar has eight pairs of stubby legs. The first three pair of legs will become the butterfly's legs. Like a snake or a crab, a Monarch caterpillar sheds its skin five times during the larval stage.

When the caterpillar is full grown it usually leaves the milkweed plant and can crawl 30 to 40 feet from the milkweed) to find a safe place to pupate. The caterpillar creates a silk-like mat, attaches its last pair of legs to it, and allows itself to drop and hangs upside down in a J-shape for approximately one day.

The caterpillar's skin is shed for the last time as it passes from the larval (caterpillar) stage to the pupa (chrysalis) stage of metamorphosis. This time there is a jade green casing (chrysalis) under the caterpillar's skin. Immediately after the skin is shed, the inch long chrysalis is soft. Looking at the pupae, you can still see the ribbed body of the caterpillar inside. Then the chrysalis hardens to a beautiful jade green. Dramatic changes occur inside. The mouth parts transform from those needed for chewing into a straw-like tongue (proboscis) which the butterfly will need to sip nectar from flowers.

Most Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult butterfly. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid Monarchs in the future.

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). (The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hind wing.)

Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger. Monarchs can be found in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Florida's Monarchs are unique in that they do not migrate out of the state during the winter (although they are thought to move further south when cold spells approach). In fact, Florida Monarchs are the most active and most visible here during the winter months. It is also thought that Monarchs from the Northeastern U.S. winter in Florida. It is presumed that these butterflies do not return to the north in spring, but their children do..

See my set, Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees. And Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Intricate architecture of a Crown Milkweed blosssom... a Monarch's delight

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:08:02 -0800

jungle mama posted a photo:

Explore Nov 13, 2010 #130

I remember the first time I saw a yellow, black and white striped Monarch caterpillar munching the edges of one of these. I could literally hear the chewing and see the chunks being eaten away!

Yes, it's a favorite of the Monarch Butterfly and essential in its life cycle. And apart from that it's gorgeous! And large... many times larger than our familiar backyard milkweed.

But check out its architecture... the curling Baroque struts that support its crowning golden stamen. It's delicate coloring, from pink on the outside petals to a deep robust purple along the supporting struts. Such delicacy and yet such strength all designed to attract and entice. To assure its reproduction and future life!

Calotropis gigantea, Asclepiadaceae
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Butterfly Garden

Black, yellow and white striped Monarch Caterpillar eating Crown Milkweed

nobody@flickr.com (jungle mama) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:22:32 -0700

jungle mama posted a photo: