The Monarch Butterfly. The iconic American butterfly is also known as the milkweed butterfly or common tiger butterfly—one of my favorite subjects when I take pictures. My family has already been instructed that I want everyone to release these beauties at my funeral when I die. Each year I do everything I can to help keep the Monarch population going.
While not yet on the list of endangered species, the Monarch’s loss is increasing each year due to pesticides and parasites. Check out the Global Healing Centers article “5 Shocking Facts of Pesticides”. What was number 5 on that list? The killing of the Monarch Butterfly. Pesticides continue to be used more and more each year. It is estimated that a billion pounds of pesticides are sprayed on our crops in the United States each year. Those pesticides are killing our beneficial insects.
Parasites include the tachinid fly that lays its eggs inside the caterpillar of the Monarch. When the chrysalis is made, the tachinid fly eggs are release killing the Monarch inside its chrysalis.
The issues are far greater than anything I can control. However, I always want to do my best to help. As each summer rolls around, I get excited about getting to raise my butterflies. I usually raise about three sets of Monarchs each summer. It’s so easy to do. If you have little kids, they will love watching them and waiting for their arrival.
To raise Monarchs, you only need a few supplies:
- An abundance of Butterfly Weed to feed your hungry caterpillars. It grows in the wild, so if you have only one plant and notice little caterpillars on it, it might not be enough to feed all your growing Monarchs. Ask around and see if anyone else has any to donate, plant more, or go looking for some.
- A large container with a mesh lid. I use a large aquarium, and it works perfectly. However, I’ve seen many different types of containers used.
This is how I raise my Monarchs:
- I keep an eye on all my butterfly weed in my garden. Do not spray any of them with pesticides. I often get aphids attacking my plant. Release ladybugs at the plant’s base to clean them off or spray them with water to knock them off my plant.
- The first thing I do is get their home ready. I lay paper towels on the bottom of my aquarium. I have a mason jar that I fill up with water. Holes are punctured into the top, so I can easily put the plant’s stem in there. (Make sure your holes aren’t too big for your caterpillars to fall through)
- I keep a close eye on all my butterfly weed. The eggs are usually under the plant’s leaf, and often you will find the little guys hanging out here once they are hatched. As soon as I notice them (the earlier, the better), I bring them inside. The key is to get them inside before the Tachinid flies lay their eggs inside them.
- I monitor them daily and add fresh butterfly weed leaves as needed.
- Every few days, I clean out the bottom of the cage.
- Be Patient! Your butterflies will hatch in about ten to fourteen days.
- They can hatch at any time of the day. However, I notice that most hatch in the early morning. Right before I’m trying to leave for work, that’s ok. They will still be there when you get home. You don’t want to try to move them outdoors too early after hatching. Please wait until all the oxygen is in their wings and they are ready for take-off. They will walk right up on your finger if you give it to them, and you can release them from your hand.
It’s that easy!
Many years ago, I took these pictures of them hatching and compiled them into a video. At the time, I had no idea I’d ever write an article on it, so it is not a perfect video. However, you can see how amazing it is to watch them hatch.
Also, please note if you notice a string hanging from them after a few days or any part of their chrysalis turning brown, they were probably infected by the Tachinid fly and are dead. Refer to the picture above of what a healthy chrysalis looks like. I always try to remove them when I notice they are dead, but you can wait until your others have hatched.
I wish you all the success in raising your butterflies. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.
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