Date: 09/26/2018

Number: 1

I first caught site of a monarch caterpillar around August 20, on a milkweed plant in my backyard. I covered the plant with a mesh screening material and it began its chrysalis stage around Sept. 5, hanging from the screen. On Sept. 19, I brought the chrysalis inside. I was concerned the cool weather was impacting development. On Sept. 23, the butterfly emerged from the chrysalis. Today, Sept. 26 has been our first warm, dry day since then and he flew off around noon today. It is a male monarch. Over the past few days, I made sure to have food for him to fuel up. this has been the first time I have ever experienced and it has been an amazingly wondrous adventure. I do so hope he makes it all the way to Mexico. Next year, I will tag any butterflies I can. Photo was taken Sunday when I attempted to release it, but he refused to budge.

Worcester, MA

Latitude: 42.3 Longitude: -71.8

Observed by: Lisa
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