Over the years I have developed the habit of checking milkweed plants carefully whenever I spot them. Milkweed plants host an extensive cast of colorful characters including ladybugs, milkweed beetles, and Monarch butterfly caterpillars (Danaus plexippus). Though I have been keeping an eye out for them for the last couple of months, I was unsuccessful in spotting a Monarch caterpillar until this past Sunday when I finally spotted one at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
This Monarch appears to be in one of its final phases of development as a caterpillar, when fattening up seems to be a priority before forming a chrysalis. It is not surprising, therefore, that most of the edges of the leaves in this photo have been gnawed on by the caterpillar. This caterpillar seems to be a little late calendar-wise in its path to becoming a butterfly, but I did spot several Monarchs yesterday, so it seems that the Monarch migration has not yet taken place, or at least not in its entirety.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Beautiful, Mike! I keep a milkweed garden just for the Monarchs. They are there too!
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Thanks, Mitzy. I am sure the Monarchs appreciate your efforts. I have seen a number of posts of people who are watching over Monarchs and even helping to raise them by helping them to emerge.
What a delightful capture of this fat and happy monarch caterpillar, Mike! I love how plump it is, and the chewed-up leaves demonstrating how busy it has been. Great find, I’m glad you check for them.
I was worried earlier in the season when I didn’t see any Monarchs at all, but eventually started seeing some this past month. I don’t know if the situation for monarchs is as bad as it was a few years ago, but I celebrate every indication that these beautiful butterflies are managing to survive.
That is beautiful Mike.
Thanks, Dan.
Great portrait. I love his stripes.
Thanks, Laura. It was a bit of a challenge getting a composition that I liked, but this shot turned out pretty well and only needed a small amount of cropping.
I haven’t seen any monarchs in my garden in the past few days – I think they have all flown south and are heading your way. 🙂
I’m happy to report that I’ve seen the occasional adult flitting around here throughout our winter (albeit the warmest on record). I haven’t seen any caterpillars yet, but will report when I do.
That’s cool, Gary. As insect activity starts to slow down here, it begins to pick up there. So, I could enjoy insects almost year round, but I’ll probably be turning my camera towards birds soon enough.
Wonderful shot.
Thanks, Louella.
Great shot (as usual)! 🙂
Thanks, Laura. Even when the subjects are common, I try to give them as much care and attention to them as I do with more exotic subjects.
I really liked this one! 🙂
I think it captivates me the way the subject stays crisply clear yet leans into the blurry abyss…
Congratulations! We are done with monarchs here, especially after the last few frosty nights. But I think you will have a few more opportunities.Seems quite plump from some good eats. 🙂
There are some Monarch still around here–I saw a couple flying around here. We are not into frosty temperatures yet, though we have had a few nights drop into the mid 40’s.