Date: 10/28/2005

Number: 1

Yesterday, the night time low was in the lower 30s, we had a light frost here. I checked on the monarch and black swallowtail larvae. The black swallowtail larvae seem to be doing fine. One of the 5th instar monarch seemed lifeless, but on further inspection it had a puncture wound. The other monarch larvae were hiding under leaves and appeared to be alive, but very still. The sun is just starting to hit the milkweed patch. The black swallowtail larvae area is already sunning and temps are at 55F. They are beginning to move around and eat. I'll check the milkweed patch later. The tops of some plants are wilted due to the frost. Most of the tropical milkweed in my garden is still alive and healthy. Checked on the milkweed patch. The temps are above 55F and now the monarch larvae are active too.
I found a pupae in the same area. It does not look like it will eclose. It is darkening, but not showing any wing color.

One thing I've noted about these two butterfly species is that some of the fall larvae form are darker. I think this would help them warm up faster.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Herndon, VA

Latitude: 39 Longitude: -77.4

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