Sep 20, 2026, 1:18 AM

Finally, the last of the caterpillars have gone to chrysalis. Out of a caterpillar census count of 13, I found 12 chrysalises, and we've had to cull 5 so far due to parasitic infection. The chrysalis pictured here is one of the oldest ones, and it seems to be developing well. Unfortunately, I'll be in another place housesitting til the 27th. I hope a few successful hatches will wait for me to observe them. #nature #insects #butterflies #monarch #monarchbutterfly

A very large black, white and yellow-striped monarch caterpillar is devouring an orange butterfly milkweed flower.

The corpulent caterpillar proceeds up another stalk.

Its back legs anchor it, while it rears up its head and front third of the body into the air, questing for food, wiggling its velvety black antlers.

A partially-developed monarch chrysalis is anchored on some bricks. It is still a bright jade color with black edging and gold flecks, but the veins of the developing wings are becoming visible.