Monarch Wonders

Currently there are at least four monarch chrysalides around the patio, all within the vicinity of the potted milkweed plants, where they were born and fed on the leaves.

The chrysalides aren't usually immediately noticeable, and once we see them, they are a wonder to behold.

This chrysalis is hanging off the thin branch of a shrub growing near our bedroom window, next to tree ferns.

The monarch caterpillar who pupated at the tip of this milkweed leaf apparently decided not to leave its food source.

We relocated it, leaf and all, out of concern for its safety.

Just a couple of nibbles on that leaf by another caterpillar, and down the chrysalis would have fallen.