Monarch Update

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

It was brought to my attention that I forgot to include a little update on our science project while we were away. Our monarch caterpillars.

Well, before we left on our vacation, we filled the cage to the brim with milkweed in hopes that it would be enough for the week long vacation. We then placed the hatchery in the woods in our backyard underneath a blanket of trees in case it should rain because I wanted to make darn sure those caterpillars would be dry and safe.

When we arrived home to drop off our dogs on Thursday, Pat went and checked on them, found 7 butterflies wanting to get out and unfortunately, one other had perished. He placed more milkweed into the cage and we left. We came home to a couple of more butterflies, new chrysallis', and many days old ones as well. Currently we are awaiting the hatching of 4 more butterflies any moment now. I have lost track of all that have hatched and only a small number, 4 to be exact, have been born with gimp wings. But there have probably been close to 40-50 butterflies freed on our watch.

Whenever I see one in flight around the area, I often wonder if it is one from the group that we have been tending to. It is a neat thing to bring nature to life in our hands. When we release the butterflies, often times they will crawl all over our shoulders and arms and hands and we have to urge them on only to have them land on our heads or backs. I got some photos of our boy with one on his head but have not finished the film up yet. Our son giggles with delight when this happens. Ahhhh, the laughter of a child, there is nothing better in this life!

Last night, our kids discovered also that there was a chrysallis hanging from one our pictures on the wall. One of the caterpillars took a vacation right along with us. It was good for a chuckle amongst the family.

On a side note, I don't recall if I mentioned that my boy came in with an EXTRA LARGE garden spider a couple of weeks ago. Within days of having it, it layed a very large egg. This too was placed outside, ewwww, I certainly don't want a bunch of spiders hatching in our house, that would not be good. Anyway, he is eagerly awaiting the hatching of this egg while I try to hold back the cringe while answering his every word on the progress. Right now, it is half open. I know nothing about spiders though, just that they are borderline for my tolerance. I think they're great from a distance and can for the most part hold a daddy-long-legged for about 30 seconds before chills run up my spine but for my son, I would put aside any sort of personal feelings in order for him to enjoy the things that he so loves. BUGS!!!!

Written by louie0768 .