Hope you aren't tired of seeing the monarch butterflies here at Struan Farm just yet. I'm not, but I can understand that when you've seen ten photos you might think you've seen them all! I've looked at hundreds of images at this point but still continue to be fascinated as I learn more about these special creatures.
We have hatched over 50 butterflies by my conservative count this year so far. There have been three or so casualties, several that hatched but then didn't unfurl wings, one that didn't break out of the chrysalis. But I think we've made a contribution for butterfly-kind this season. I also saw two mating, quite by accident, so now know what that looks like. Have seen several other pairs since.
This group now mates and the next round of caterpillars/butterflies are the ones to winter and breed next season. I'm onto assisting with that if I can. I've planted out the stripped swan plants that I purchased as emergency food supplies for the caterpillars, those are regenerating along with our big plant from last year. I've just got John's sign off to plant more swan plants on the edge of our lawn in the orchard, as it slopes down the bank to the roadside. This was where the slip was a few years ago, nothing much grows here and the stock don't go anywhere near it. So a good spot for swan plants.
It's interesting to see the butterfly and bee sharing the echinacea above (you may need to click on that last photo above to see the bee on the flower). They aren't fussed by one another at all!
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