Date: 08/09/2016

Number: 2

The pair of Monarch caterpillars that we found on July 25th and have been raising in captivity on potted swamp milkweed plants: J-hooked on 7/30/2016, chrysalis on 7/31/2016, and emerged as male butterflies this morning (8/9/2016). We released them outside this afternoon and they took wing about 3:15 PM EDT. While watching Monarchs develop from egg to adult is always fascinating, and there’s certainly joy in seeing them take flight, there’s also a bit of sadness or a sense of loss as they disappear in the distance. I’m repeatedly amazed at how attached we become to these little critters as they develop over a few weeks. And while totally illogical, I wish they’d somehow say “thanks” or wave "goodbye" rather than simply winging away never looking back.

Bellefonte, PA

Latitude: 40.9 Longitude: -77.8

Observed by: R. Timothy
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