Date: 04/10/2009

Number: 1

I found a bunch of Monarch caterpillars on the milkweed and some were not near leaves so I was in the process of moving them about on the plants when an "assassin" wasp flew in and with perfect accuracy sting 5 of the caterpillars just like that. I tried to move the plants but not fast enough to save them but managed to get all the plants on the porch without being stung myself and noticed today that 8 are still good. The ones that were paralyzed I tossed into the bushes. I am sure they were meant to be food for the wasps but I was not going to give the wasp that satisfaction. I am assuming they will eventually die. The rest are fine since they never got stung. I just couldn't believe what I was watching. I wonder how many already had been killed since the caterpillars were big enough that a couple have left the plant today to go make their chrysalises. The eggs had been laid at least 3 weeks ago and another Monarch was laying eggs this past Tues. so there will be more. I have become a Monarch farm!!!!

Ormond Beach, FL

Latitude: 29.3 Longitude: -81.2

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.