I want to correct some details regarding the monarch migration. There are 4 generations of monarchs each year...2 gen's are flying north as 2 gen's are flying south... the north bound generations will overlap with the south bound generations. Gen 1, 2, and 3 can and will lay eggs. Gen 4 is the generation that uses sexual diapause to put egg laying on hold until the following spring once they leave Mexico and begin the journey to the north. The ability to stop producing hormones halts the egg laying. The monarch will then live 8 to 9 months and will travel to Mexico. I want to clarify that the monarch butterfly has 5 instars. An instar is a stage of development during the metamorphosis of egg to butterfly. When a caterpillar's skin cannot stretch anymore to accommodate the growth, the caterpillar will attach a little silk to a stem, crawl out of and shed the old skin, then pause about 24 hours while the new skin dries. This stage is called a "molt". The last instar occurs just before the chrysalis is formed or revealed. The final molt occurs and then the chrysalis is formed and revealed...after the caterpillar sheds its skin for the last time. monarchwatch.org/rear/index.htm This Monarch Watch web site is a wonderful tool for leaning how to raise caterpillars. www.detroitnews.com/story/life/home-garden/2019/09/12/raising-butterflies-garden-brenda-dziedzic/2157808001/ This article from the Detroit News highlights Brenda Dziedzic's efforts to increase the monarch population. I love her phrase, "We need to give back to the earth".
@maryellenvanslembrouck87734 жыл бұрын
Start watching at 3:55 to skip the blooper at the beginning
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One way to describe the top surface is "upper surface" and the reverse side is the "under surface" The two pairs of wings are called the "Forewing" and the "Hindwing" My reference books: "Michigan Butterflies & Skippers: A Field Guide and Reference" by Mogens C. Nielsen, Michigan State University Extension "Learn About Butterflies in the Garden" by Brenda Dziedzic, Sheridan Books
@maryellenvanslembrouck87734 жыл бұрын
Re: Native plants The native perennials in each state are more attractive and useful for pollinators. The butterflies and moths recognize native plant species as being useful for the larval stage...the caterpillars. You need host plants to feed your caterpillars. I do not advocate the strict removal of everything that is not native in your private gardens. We usually have one or two non-native species due to sentimental reasons. In other words, Great Aunt Mary's hostas that she shared are very useful to hummingbirds and look beautiful in many settings that do not provide full sun.