It's a Girl!

[James Burke]

The first of two that hatched this morning. I can hardly believe how so much fits into such a small chrysalis. They're something awesome to behold when they take flight for the first time.

I'll have another 20 or more over the next three weeks.

See the initial dialogue here: http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?126355-Monarch-Butterfles-Anybody-raising-them


JB

 

[Gino]

Looks like your printer has too much static. The wings look pixelated.

​

 

[James Burke]

Looks like your printer has too much static. The wings look pixelated.

​

That's ironic...I also thought something looked amiss when I first saw the photo zoomed in. The scales on her wings are the reason.

I've also had inquiries as to how I determined her gender. Males have a small scent gland (dot) on their lower wings, females do not. Females have wider veins in their wings, whereas the males' veining is narrower.

She was a little awkward when she first took flight, but once she was aloft, she seemed to know what she was doing. Somewhat of a good metaphor of life, I would imagine. Imagine that...crawling on your belly for two weeks and then suddenly given the chance to soar...kinda makes me wish we had similar opportunities.

JB

 

[Zac]

Imagine that...crawling on your belly for two weeks and then suddenly given the chance to soar...kinda makes me wish we had similar opportunities.

JB

That's deep man...

 

[SignosaurusRex]

That's pretty cool James. Both, what you are sharing, and the fact that you are slowing down enough to witness and learn about the (very) small things that make up our "connected" life. We should all take a lesson here. Jeez, I really need a vacation....

 

[James Burke]

That's pretty cool James. Both, what you are sharing, and the fact that you are slowing down enough to witness and learn about the (very) small things that make up our "connected" life. We should all take a lesson here. Jeez, I really need a vacation....

What astounds me the most is the amount of care that the caterpillars require. They're ravenous little eating machines and they leave quite a bit behind as they consume vast amounts of milkweed. Overall, it has been a much-needed distraction from the daily stress.

When I let the first butterfly go yesterday, it landed near the gable of my house and was quickly entwined by a spider's web. A bit fretful (due to all the time I've invested in her), I got an extension ladder and went up for a quick rescue. I was within two feet of her when she decided to free herself, which was good...I didn't want to risk damaging her wings pulling her out of the web.

Upon descent, my ladder decided to slide right while I counter acted and went the opposite direction...all while standing about six feet off the ground. Unbelievably, I picked myself up and walked away with nothing more than a bruised bum and a sore shoulder. What a day.


JB

 

[James Burke]

This morning's line up

This morning's group four will be ready to go when their wings dry out and harden. At least one is a male (black dot on lower wings).


JB

 

[Gino]

So...... flutterbies are into Cor-X ??

:Big Laugh


​

Who'da thunk ??​

 

[Suz]

Beautiful!

 

[James Burke]

So...... flutterbies are into Cor-X ??

:Big Laugh​

Who'da thunk ??​

...And corrugated cardboard, and hardware cloth...whatever I had on hand at the time. The coro appeared to be a bit slick so I attached the hardware cloth onto that so they'd get better hold. Honestly, they appear to roost better on regular cardboard.


JB

 

[James Burke]

Four new Monarchs were ready to meet the world this morning. On his first attempt, this little guy found himself tangled some cobwebs and my wife rescued him. He returned the favor by gracing her with a majestic display of his colors.



JB

 

[Gino]

Did he say....... mama....mama.......

 

[James Burke]

Did he say....... mama....mama.......

Not quite sure, but they do have issues with cobwebs. I'm going to have to launch them further away from such hazards.


JB