"I found an egg!" If you found yourself a little creamy-white egg under a milkweed leaf, then you have probably found yourself a Monarch butterfly egg. In about four days, a caterpillar is going to hatch and soon, you will
"I found an egg!" If you found yourself a little creamy-white egg under a milkweed leaf, then you have probably found yourself a Monarch butterfly egg. In about four days, a caterpillar is going to hatch and soon, you will be watching the life-cycle of the gorgeous Monarch take place.
In the wild, only about two to five caterpillars that hatch from the hundreds of eggs a mama Monarch lays actually make it to adulthood. "But, why?" you ask. In the beginning, the little caterpillar (larva) is prone to a lot of harsh elements and may die naturally. Predators may eat it. Parasites may lay eggs on it. It can get a bacterial or viral infection from its environment. Lots of things can happen.
So, what can be done to help get that caterpillar to adulthood?
Become a foster butterfly parent. Take the leaf with the egg on it and raise the caterpillar that hatches from it indoors. It isn't difficult. Read the link about the supplies you will need FIRST. Supplies for Raising Monarch caterpillars
There are a few KEY points that MUST be remembered when raising Monarch caterpillars. The most important things to remember:
1. never let moisture build up in the container you are using,
2. keep the container clean,
3. provide fresh leaves every day, and
4. clean the frass (poop) out every day.
If you can remember these things, then you should have a butterfly completing its life-cycle in a month's time!
Once you've got your supplies ready then you are set to go. Knowing some basic facts is useful. A y