Date: 07/26/2022

Number: 2

I collected two eggs last week from narrowleaf milkweed. Also gave three eggs to neighbors to raise.
I plan to help these get a bit larger and then put them back out in the milkweed patch.
The larva shown and the other I have protected in a container are from eggs laid on July 19.
These hatched on the 22nd.
They had both been laid on flower buds, and so ate away at those clusters of buds for about three days before seeming ready for more & fresher food. I added leaves and separated them into two containers.
They are kept in the shade on my front porch, with temps up to the high 90’s.

I have looked several times for sign of larvae from the eggs I noticed laid under flower buds and for any under leaves (my neighbor found one under a leaf that they took to raise), but I haven’t seen any nor scat or noticeable herbivory. I’ll keep looking occasionally.


[Additional information contributed by observer, added by Journey North, 09/07/2022]:
The two larvae mentioned did not survive past 2nd instar. I think that was on me, for checking on them too much (opening the container) and causing them to lose their silk hold while beginning to molt. Definitely makes me want to stop trying to raise them, even though so few eggs make it to adult.

Salt Lake City, UT

Latitude: 40.8 Longitude: -111.9

Observed by: Adrienne
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