Mama Monarch encounters Monarch caterpillar

Mama monarch was making the rounds of milkweed plants, laying eggs.

Then she encountered a very large monarch caterpillar, minding its business, devouring leaves on a Narrow-leaf milkweed plant.

Perhaps it is one of her children?

The caterpillar looks like it could be in 4th or 5th instar.

It was not amused.

I suspect the caterpillar was upset because mama was holding onto it with all four legs.

Soon after I took these photos mama flew on to other milkweed plants while the caterpillar recovered from the encounter.

I think it's interesting to see the comparison in size of caterpillar and adult butterfly.