Monarch Caterpillars are growing

Here is one of the caterpillars who were still tiny eggs nineteen days ago.

It is a little less than 1/4 inch long, and is on a showy milkweed leaf, on the plant where it started out as an egg.

It is of great concern to me that there are very few of these caterpillars on our milkweed plants this year. So far I've counted only five. Considering that we have fifteen potted milkweed plants, some of which are quite lush, one would think that the female monarchs laid more eggs.

At this time last year there were three times the amount of monarch caterpillars. Last year I observed monarchs visiting our garden often, sipping nectar from various flowers. This year I have yet to see any.

We are keeping our promise made at a presentation by the Xerces Society.

The caterpillars will not be brought indoors to be raised, but left outdoors on their host plants.

I just hope they don't fall prey to wasps and any other predators, and stay healthy.

Every morning and early evening I check up on the tiny beauties, and wish them well.