Date: 10/16/2011

Number: 1

About the middle of last week there were about 8-15 Monarch butterflies feeding upon about 75 Tropical milkweed flower clusters in my garden. Same for the K-State Master Gardener’s extension garden. The weather turned slightly stormy and cooled towards the end of the week. Although the temperatures is back above the 60’s, I have not seen a Monarch at either place.

Lessons learned this year after two years of experimenting with a Monarch-friendly garden?

The group of milkweed that was planted near a wood picket seemed to obviously yield the most successful chrysalis/butterflies; found one caterpillar about 12 feet away from one of the “middle-of-the-yard” gardens looking for a “woody” place to climb and turn into a pupa?

Interested in raising and observing a caterpillar? Bed, Bath, and Beyond sold food covers for picnics this summer; two collapsible net tents for only $5.00 and mesh metal ones for $13.00. Much better than a large jar; the butterflies can hang a spread their wings after emergence.

The book “My Monarch Journal”, which I acquired at the MW Open House, is fantastic. Yep, highly advise purchasing it for about $6.00 either through them or amazon. However as I recall, the author suggests releasing a butterfly about 2.5 hours after it has emerged. If you live in a windy area such as Kansas, I suggest playing it safe and release a few hours later.

Some good instructions for “emergence” are at http://www.monarchwatch.org/rear/index.htm or http://monarchwatch.org/openhouse/ .

Speaking of MonarchWatch (MW), after a news broadcast on local Kansas City TV, a couple of neighbors immediately visited me afterwards to learn why the Monarchs were visiting my yard. They were clearly alarmed about the Monarch’s current plight. About a month later (10/2/2011), another “newly-aware” neighbor saved and gave me an article in the KC Star newspaper quoting Dr. Taylor. To all, PLEASE KEEP UP the good work on getting the word out!

Overland Park, KS

Latitude: 39 Longitude: -94.7

Observed by: Karen
Contact Observer

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