I had 75 eggs. Now I have 75 caterpillars I'm overwhelmed with feeding It's a full time job!! Loving every second!! 3 born now 3 released!!:)

@NotErine

4 жыл бұрын

lorena rossi Awe🥺❤️🦋

@jewelvibes6765

4 жыл бұрын

lorena rossi nice job!

@cindyw4442

2 жыл бұрын

they love butternut squash it saved me

@lunainezdelamancha3368

Жыл бұрын

You are so lucky 🥰...I just started doing it... wish me luck 🤞.

@saltlifegull4091

Жыл бұрын

@@cindyw4442 THANKS for that tip!

Oh my gosh 93 and they all hatched!!!! How amazing!!!!! Youre doing so much for monarchs 😍

Hello Rich. Yesterday was my last hatch, I am now up to 20 Monarchs. I have seen no cats in at least a week. And no Monarchs except for my own. In my area anyway. Checking the weeds daily for eggs. Spotted several of what I think are eggs just waiting to be sure. I have made up a poster and set it up outside the rock shop by my milkweeds and made up a bunch of flyer's to give out to customers. Save The Milkweeds Save The Monarchs!!! Then I put in your site so whomever is interested can go and see for themselves. I will keep you posted 👍

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Hey, that's awesome. These videos were certainly made to try to help any who want the info be able to get it. Thanks for helping to spread the word. I went on a road trip to St. Joseph, MI, then down along the west side of the state further south. I checked much milkweed, but found nothing. I'm still at a grand tally of zero eggs this summer... Really hope this changes and I can at least get some 4th generation eggs/cats/adults and send them off with my students.

Inspired by your work and learned enough from your videos that I'm starting to help save the Monarchs. Funny store... all day yesterday my son and I were looking for milkweed plants in every Nursery in our area. After hours and hours I gave up and ordered plants online. After spending an obscene amount of money to make sure I had enough grown plants.. I came to work today and realized the parking lot is FULL of milkweed! I'm ready to get started and so excited to enjoy the process and help the Monarchs!

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah, once you get an eye for the plant, you'll notice it much more often. I've had great luck sometimes with checking the random isolated plant growing by a stop sign or alley dumpster, finding eggs on lonely plants such as these. Great to hear you feel ready! It's a very rewarding experience.

Momma Monarch left me 14 eggs and I have three caterpillars. She had been watching my plants which are very small swamp milkweed. What a blessing.

I’m releasing my first four monarchs today, I learned everything from your channel. Thanks, Mr. Lund!

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ali, for doing what you can to help them!

Mr. Lund! Warm weather in So California this week has led to Monarch sightings and....(drum roll please!) EGGS! I harvested about 25 eggs this afternoon. Monarch Season 2017 - is GAME ON!

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! The season begins! (I'll be waiting til June, however...) Good luck with your new batch!

@jewelvibes6765

4 жыл бұрын

Tracee Theisen-Henny 👍

We've been raising wild-caught monarch cats for many years, supplying them to teachers at an elementary school, and then helping the kids tag the new adults. This video had us running to the store to get the pop up laundry basket. Two days later a female monarch was on our coneflowers, and wham! Placed her in the basket over a milkweed plant (we have a few hundred in our "yard"), and next day when we released her, we had 112 eggs! Dug up the whole plant and potted it to bring inside. The eggs are 36-48 hours old now. Can't wait to see if they hatch!

@MrLundScience

9 жыл бұрын

Sharon Mohney That is awesome! Sounds like those cats are in good hands! I know that with this method, it will save me plenty of time. I hope it works out well for you. Keep us all posted!

You're doing a great job by helping these beautiful animals. You deserve a lot more views than you get :)

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that for sure. I would have replied to you sooner, but there has been a bug with specifically your comment for some reason, and I never could have replied until strangely now. Thanks for the kind words!

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Greetings to you. I'm not quite sure about pomegranate plants and how tasty they are to the caterpillars. Monarchs will almost exclusively lay eggs only on milkweed species. I have not heard of them laying on much else, nor have I heard of caterpillars eating pomegranate leaves. I can say, usually if there is evidence of leaves being eaten, if it is indeed Monarch caterpillars, they should still be around to find. I don't think you'll find them though. It's just not known to be their diet. Again, I could be wrong, and would be interested to hear if you do find them. I'd search and try to positively identify what has been eating your leaves. Good luck!

@danzbutrfly

6 жыл бұрын

Hey I am from deep south texas close to the southern mexican border and no doubt that many of the beautiful monarchs i am seeing here are from your batch....u r doing a great job.

I would cut the bottom out of the green net so as not to scrape the milkweed leaves when removing it potentially knocking off eggs in the process. I think you could keep it tight enough to the ground so the female couldn't escape, I am raising my first 14 Monarchs they just started coming out of metamorphosis. 3 so far 1 with a damaged wing an 11 chrysalisalide hanging. Released 2 today and 1 hanging. These videos have been amazing and have set me on a serious Monarch farming adventure. You really feel the power of life when you do this.

A few points: 1. make sure to check the plants for predators (spiders, assassin bugs, lacewing, ladybug, and hoverfly larvae, etc.) 2. during the day, mist the cage with water, the butterflies need water 3. give the container some shade so the butterfly will not overheat 4. I usually hand feed the butterfly before collecting eggs

@marsharevis2937

6 жыл бұрын

Lol comment above. Don't think butterflies get overheated. They thrive in sunshine. My friend does this + she has butterflies flying in her house. Awesome...

@jenniferolson6797

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent points !

Omgosh! Amazing! I have been raising monarchs from eggs for 4 years now and was thinking this year I am not finding as many eggs as last year. They all hatched and lucky you! It can be alot of work...but if u can find the milkweed plants to feed them all.. hey... awesome!! U are right this isnt for everyone. But it IS FOR ME! THANK U FOR ALL YOUR VIDS! I am called the butterfly whisperer by my neighbors..🐛🦋 The Monarch is Illinois' state butterfly!! Shout out from a suburb in northern Illinois!

Thanks for all the educational videos! It's my third year and I've learned so much. Love it

@MrLundScience

3 жыл бұрын

Very cool! Getting more of a feel the third year into it?

To answer your question: Yes, butterflies can indeed lay unfertilised eggs. I had a Papilio Polytes laying unfertilised eggs on a citrus plant in my conservatory. I knew they were infertile cause they never mated- the male died a few hours after hatching (Spider attack).

4 Babies Born this morning. I'm so excited. I got to hold 2 of them 1 male & 1 female. Thank so much for all of you help.

Takeing care of Monarch that was born with only one working wing. Feed her honey water 3 times a day. Like takeing care of a baby The one that was born without a closed probiscus died today. Another one for the Butterfly bush. Finally gave up on last 4 that I had from the big hatch. Put them in the garbage to prevent disease. I found a Monarch cat this morning so I guess I'm back in business. Thank you for all the informative videos. They were as good or better than most professional videos on the subject. Thanks again.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

That's a pretty strong compliment. Thanks! I'm just a guy, trying to help out some butterflies. I'm nowhere near professional. But I'm so glad that many find help with these videos. I have two more for this year on their way. Might take a bit of time, though, as some others non-Monarch related are scheduled before them.

I gotta say, I get the biggest kick out of seeing your t-shirts. This has to be one of my favorites so far. Dude! You are totally amazing! Once I get set up with an abundance of milkweed, I am absolutely giving this a try! Thank you for all that you do and sharing it with us!! YOU ROCK!!

@MrLundScience

6 жыл бұрын

Times when I've done it, it makes it easier to take in the numbers I hope to take in, without burning countless hours in the field. I do this still when seasons are late or running low. No need to do it this year!

Hi Rick.. In the Summer of 2014, (with a friend who showed me how) I raised \ released 14 Monarchs into the wild. Had never done this before. I found it to be a bitter\sweet accomplishment, as I knew only a small number (if any) would ever make it to Mexico and return for the 2015 season. I did not see one Monarch for 2015.... How sad!!! After watching your entire series on Monarchs and Milkweed; I am renewed!! And will continue the fight to save these majestic butterflies. Thank-You for your time and efforts, in publishing your videos.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

So pleased to hear that your passion is back! More Monarch videos are coming this summer, amidst some other ones too. I'm hoping those who are here for the Monarchs will also enjoy some "at home" science from my Indy Labs vids, along with some science raps in the form of "Atomic Hip Hop". If you haven't checked out those videos on the channel, I'd be thrilled if you did and found something to your liking. In the meantime, I'm here to answer questions all summer long, and if I don't know the answer, well, that definitely gives me a reason to research it and find out! Good luck with your efforts!

@dougjohnson9628

8 жыл бұрын

That was fast!! Thanks for the RE:.. I wish I could do more; but at the ripe, young age of 67, more days than not are not as good as they could be.. I have enough Milkweed in my yard to support the feeding of 25 - 30 "worms" (I hope that term doesn't offend you). Some of my neighbors have threatened to turn me in to the town for allowing these "weeds" to grow. I've tried to explain the dire need for the Milkweed, but seems to fall on deaf ears. So far; I have not had any visitors from the town. Perhaps I'm being humored or maybe there are folks whom are aware of the situation with the Monarch and refuse to take action... So I will continue on. I have some seed pods from 2014. Will see if I can get some sprouts growing. I know it's a bit late, but there is still a lot Summer left here in So. Eastern CT. Take Care,

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Worms does not offend me. I call them cats, sometimes, and they definitely aren't mammals. As for your neighbors, best you can do is try to educate them on the reasons behind it. Other than that, if it's on your property and no laws forbid it, plant yourself like a tree and don't move from your belief of what's right to do. You could, however, attempt to get the word out to non-neighbors. The more people in your immediate area who understand the problem, the better. Another option, too, is if your neighbors disagree with it, you could still educate them on the plight of the Monarch, and perhaps propose where an area in neighborhood could be devoted to milkweed, like in a nearby part or otherwise. Putting the milkweed somewhere visible, with added information signs can help efforts too. Either way, you're already helping, so congrats on your efforts!

@dougjohnson9628

8 жыл бұрын

Hi Rick, Just had a fantastic idea... What if we were to create a "National Monarch Rescue Station" site that would propagate future generations of the Monarch. We could do a National map of where every Rescue Station is located with the total number of butterflies raised and released for each Summer season. This could give us a pretty good idea of where the concentrations were located through-out the Country. We could add links where folks could buy Monarch eggs if they have not had any natural success with finding them. (I have seen these.. One that comes to mind is Amazon). Haven't checked it out. We could post some simple cage designs with basic instructions on how to build a cage. You have already done the major steps with your videos. I do not own a video camera (as of yet) but I suppose I could eat hot-dogs for a few weeks if I were to buy one to demonstrate cage building. I am pretty good at making drawings in MS Word as well. Your thoughts are more than welcome.. I have built a few web pages; but it was a number of years ago before all of this "meta" stuff came into play. I must admit; a lot of the new web design technology is probably beyond my comprehension. (I'll leave it at that) Happy Egg Hunting..

Greetins one and all. I live in Florida and if you have been watching the news you will know that the weather here has been something to experience. I have 10 Milkweeed plants in buckets and knowing that we were going to get up to 150 MPH winds, and torrential rain I went out and stripped all my Milkweed plants of all Monarch eggs, Cats and Chryslises and brought them into the house for safety. All 34 of them. Once again the dining room table has been turned into a hatchery. At the height of the storm I looked out the window to check on my "food" supply. I could not believe how the Milkweed plants were "rideing "the storm. They were getting hit with tremendous wind and like Bamboo they just bent before it. No resistance to wind. Plants were bent at 90 degree angles with no damage what so ever. Went out after the storm to inspect plants. They were clean as a whistle. No sign of any kind of insect life on plants. Was amazing to me that tthe plants survived. First Monarch born last night. Female. Life goes on. Have a happy. J Costello

It’s wonderful witnessing the possibility of an increase to the Monarchs population! Rock Music as the background music for the gracefulness of a butterfly, interesting combo. Learned something new today. Keep up the good work.

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Hey, I think Monarchs rock...so why not, right?

This was a very informative video. Thank you so much. I’m glad I found you. That’s way more than I could definitely handle, but still good to know.

Let 4 out yesterday in A/M. 1 today. Brings total to 40. 6 to go. Some look damaged. Had male born yesterday with a probiscus that did not come together. Put him in with female with deformed wing. Hopefully love will bloom. I'm off to nursery to purchase another milkweed plant. The female with withered wing was put on a cotton ball drenched with honey water yesterday.. Had to show her how to eat from it yesterday. Not so today. Placed her near it and she jumped on it and started eating. Amazeing how quick these animal learn. Also, my Swallowtail cat is still with us. Does not move unless touched but there is still life in him.

Hey Mr. Lund, after seeing your video I went the local nursery and they gave me a Milkweed with pods for free!! :) :) They even pulled out a root for me. So I've planted the root and hope that it will survive North East winter. I've seen your "how to get seeds and plant milkweed" video. Thanks so much :) Please make more video. You're my favorite guy right now :)

@MrLundScience

6 жыл бұрын

More videos are on the way and out soon. Some are Monarch related, but some deal with some other science avenues. I hope you all enjoy them!

We, brother & myself used to raise Cecropias ..a female was secured and placed on a live boxelder tree , a sapling , a six footer of so. ....a cheese cloth or similar tight weeve cloth was sealed \wraped around the limb to prevent escape ....the following day the " trap" was inspected and usually a male was discovered ...subsequently the female would deposit eggs and the netting would remain on the limb. Increasing in size, the grubs had to be moved to fresh limbs until finally pupating. Always keep the caterpillars protected with netting against the predator fly ..thanks...

Thank you so much for your inspirational videos. I followed your lead and have just released 21 Monarchs into our SW Florida neighborhood. I discovered a great way to “ serve up “ my Giant Milk weed leaves vertically! It is like a toast rack made from tooth picks pushed into a foam base. Works great and keeps the caterpillars well fed,. SYLVIA SHIRLEY Port Charlotte FL

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Great to hear of your innovation! Sounds like a cool way to do it. Great job with your 21 so far!

@sylviashirley883

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking time to reply. I love your videos and have shared with many of my interested friends... More Monarchs for Florida!

Thanks for uploading this video! I happened to find 3 young Monarch caterpillars at a friends house. I took them home and raised them up. Two have turned into butterflies, just have one chrysalis left.

@MrLundScience

6 жыл бұрын

Sweet! Is this your first time raising them?

@brentboudreau4360

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, I would like to help them out since hearing about their declining numbers :)

This was amazing that you did this. The time it will save I can only imagine. I had the problem of running out of milkweed this summer with 90 cats but was able to find some to feed them. I am now growing and starting all types and next summer will be ready, I have done lot of research and find al of your videos to be the best and answered all my questions. Some of the other sites you have to look all over the place t find what you need to know Thank you so much Sue

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sue! And I'll keep 'em coming. Shot a new one today, which is currently being edited. In the meantime, if you know others into science in general, feel free to check out some of the other types of videos here. Indy Labs is meant to be some fun at home science for kids (or adults), and if you enjoy the occasional Science Hip Hop, you can find that here as well. New Raising Monarchs soon!

Thank you for what you doing to help the Monarchs.

@MrLundScience

9 жыл бұрын

Jesusmy Savior Absolutely. I'm happy to do it! I want these animals around when I have children myself.

I put my indoor plants outside to get more eggs to raise. Also got milkweed bug eggs. In order to get rid of these unwanted critters I came up with a new way of doing it without harming the Monarch eggs. I went to the dollar store and bought a jar of bubbles. Bubbles have more glycerine than dish detergent. I used a small hobby paint brush and was able to get rid of every unwanted egg without harming the Monarch eggs. Did a complete plant in about 10-15 minutes. And my wife will be happy that there are no bugs in the house. And when Mama is happy everyone is happy.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

An interesting idea. What specifically did you do with the bubbles? What type of bubbles are you referring to? Like, bubble solution that kids (or fun adults) blow bubbles with?

@johncostello4978

7 жыл бұрын

Hi. Sorry I'm late replying. New to this. I bought childrens bubbles. For blowing bubbles. Used a artist paint brush and daubed it on the Milkweed bugs only. Allowed great control. Did this out in front of my home. Every time a neighbor drove by I started blowing bubbles. I would have loved to been able to read their minds.

Hello Rich.. Don't know if I checked in with you last season or not. Too many comments to go through to see. My total was 76. But.... This being my ninth season has been the best ever. Amazing if I do say so myself. I raised and released 231 monarchs and tagged 25. If only one of them makes it and gets reported back to me would really make my day. My first cat was June 10 and it into chrysalis on the 19th. On 7 July I gathered up 65 cats in one day. Hadn't been back to that area for a week. All in different stages of instar. Being that early and that many cats I knew then it was going to be a stellar season. My last cat was 9/4 and I'm sure there were more around but I had to wind down my season for some issues. It was getting harder to take care of all of them at the rock shop so I bought half of them home. I had a ton of rocks to polish for customers. ( Petoskey Stones ) Busy season for sure! That's where I meet Caleb and got turned on to your videos. Which by the way are still watched over and over. And again thank you for all you do! 👍 I did some plugging for you. Handed out flyers to just about everyone that came into the shop. People were stopping by just to see the monarchs. And one my co-workers got in touch with a reporter ( much to my surprise ) who then came in to do an interview with me for the local news paper. So I mentioned you and your videos. Just wanted to spread the word. The paper is called the Betsie Current. Lastly... Where were you on September 3rd? We were on our way home from work and started seeing monarchs everywhere. In an hour's drive we counted over 300 in the 45 minute drive to home. And when we got home we sat out in the back yard counted twice that many. Totally Amazing. Had several friends calling me up letting me know what they were seeing.

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Where was I on Sept. 3rd? Can't say I totally recall. I think I was skating around the Lansing area, as it was one of the last "days of summer" to do such before being in full teacher mode. Very cool that you're continuing to spread the message and that your local paper has taken notice! Awesome stuff. And it's great to hear that you had a successful season! It's very nice when it goes well. The year I found only about 15% of what I normally do, that was a bummer of a year. But, it can be hit or miss, and those things happen. Great wrapping up of the season!

OMG what an amazing idea can't wait to give this a try next year, you're such an inspiration thank you 🦋🦋🦋

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to oblige. However, I'd do it for much LESS time than I did in this video. I've done it twice since, and both times, only for about an hour. The egg count was roughly 20 both times. Much more manageable.

HOLY COW. 90+ eggs? That's incredible! If I ever have so much milkweed, I'll do this for sure.

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

In retrospect, I wouldn't have done it for as long as I did. I was able to handle 90 eggs at a time, but it was very time consuming. I took them in, though, and you know I'd see them through for sure. But since that time, I've done this twice, and only for (I think) about one hour. When that has happened, I earned 20 eggs, and the other time, only about 7. So just be careful. You wouldn't want too many eggs on your hands, causing more caterpillars than you can feed. Be conservative. And good luck!

Thoroughly like your enthusiasm and educating folks. Cheers HW

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks. Much appreciated!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Had 2 Monarchs born today. Have 2 more in Chrysalis and 1 cat in jug getting ready to J hook any day now. I am still checking Milkweed every day for eggs because I see a occasional butterfly around the flower beds in this community. Hopefully I will be able to nurture more to adulthood and to be released. 2 born today will be released tomorrow weather permitting.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Enjoy my envy! All the milkweed in my locale is dead (dormant, of course) and there won't be any monarchs anytime soon. There *will*, however, be another Raising Monarchs video soon. In the editing process now.

i know this is an old video and im not sure you still look at comments, but i just wanted to thank you for all your videos! theres not a lot of milkweed in my area but ive successfully raised one monarch so far! i hope to plant tons of milkweed in the fall so there will be more next year :)

I am in the UK - I am fascinated by the Monarch butterly - sometimes they accidentally migrate here too - I have two well maintained Milkweed containers in my garden that I always check for eggs! I also plant Coneflowers too!

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

That truly amazes me. I've never heard of that before, but investigated it based upon your comment and yep, they do at times head to the United Kingdom. I seriously had no idea about that! Part of what I love about doing this videos is how much those commenting teach me things. So cool. I hope you get the chance to rear some eggs! To be honest, if I were in your shoes, I'd be terribly tempted to capture a few to try and breed them so I could experience raising some. Keep us posted if you happen to get some little Monarch surprises!

@derektoney6832

7 жыл бұрын

MrLundScience i know that fact beacause my friend lives in England and has rarely seen monarchs like 7 every 9 years.

@derektoney6832

7 жыл бұрын

Adrienne, that is a fact :D

@Adrienneten

7 жыл бұрын

Derek - When did your friend last see them? And where about please? I am in Yorkshire but would happily travel . . . .

Stupified! Ypu are so fortunate to have access to enough milkweed to do this. Just amazing. I think perhaps half the time you confined the butterfly would have been better, that way her genetics would have been spread out further on other milkweed plants. But, just my opinion. I applaud your work in helping to save the Monarchs and wish you all the best.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

+Saunie Holloway Oh, I thoroughly agree. I had no idea she'd lay that much. I thought I would get, maybe 20? I was way off!

Monarch Alert!!!! Just went out to check the weeds for cats and spotted a Monarch. Might of found two eggs. Got to get the magnifier to be sure. Still working on the I.D. aspect. I have been doing this since 2012 and started keeping track 2013. I will have some numbers for you later today. Got to get my rock saws and my tumblers going. Been into lapidary for years. Your colleagues name is Caleb. He paid a visit to the C&M Rock Shop where I work. My boss mentioned that I raised Monarchs and it went from there. Wasn't sure if I should of made that public. Good luck on your egg hunt! 👍

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Caleb, a.k.a. Ghostface Millah is definitely public. Check out "Best Learn Yo Elements": kzread.info/dash/bejne/dZWDqqSNj9muqLQ.html

I learned everything from you!!

Hi. My jacked up Monarch female passed this A/M. Will miss her. I talked to her and believe it or not when she heard my voice she would turn her head in my direction. Who knows what these animals are capable of. Plant I brought in to protect Chrysalis on rim of pot had 9 eggs on it and they are starting to hatch. Fortunately I have my own supply of milkweed to feed them and a nursery close by in case I run dry that does not spray insecticide on its plants. Hopefully I will have something to release on Halloween as the orange and black colors of the Monarch do go with the holiday. Happy trick or treating.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Yes, a monarch on the 31st would be fitting in color, wouldn't it? Sorry to hear of the passing of your female, but at least she had experiences to enjoy before her time. If you're feeling in the Halloween mood, have you seen the new Tungsten Clan song, "Who's The Monster?", which is a rap battle between The Doctor and The Creature from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"? If that sounds like it's up your alley, give it a look: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qZp12tynaMenYqQ.html We definitely put a lot of work into this one!

i just wanted to say awesome videos an well put together .im in the process of getting into this myself here where i live in north western ,wi. i have frog habitats here i have made out in the yard an also getting into creating these monarch habitats also i have plenty of milkweeds growing here already but will be planting more in other areas here , thank you for all the information

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Sound like you keep busy, and in a good way! Welcome aboard, and good luck to all your efforts. If you have questions along the way and I'm able to answer them, I check comments daily. If I don't know the answer, I try to find out too!

Hello Rich. I have 8 chrysalis and a doz cats. first monarch was around the first week in June. Only 4 all month. This month none so far. Got to be here but just not seeing them. I work inside but have a great view of well over three hundred milkweeds. I bring in the cats and take care of them in my shop. Doing pretty much the same things you are doing to take care of them. I really appreciated your videos. Some Awesome info!!!. Don't know if I have enough time to start with eggs but may try a few. I met your colleague a couple days as he and his family were visiting benzie county. He directed me to you and your videos. You keep filming and I'll keep watching. Thanks again!! Dean

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, Dean. Which colleague? Are we talking Miller? You mention that they must be here, and you're just not seeing them... Well, I checked my journal, and by this time last year, I was up to 15 eggs. So far, I've found zero eggs. I found one caterpillar at the Detroit Zoo about 4 weeks ago, which has since emerged as an adult and has been released. But since then, I've found nothing. My usual spots have produced eggs by now, and they aren't. I'm keeping the fingers crossed, so to speak, and hoping that the Mexican winter storm they faced in March just slowed the process for a few days, and they are just a bit behind schedule. I have a full on egg hunt planned for tomorrow. We'll see!

Seasons Greetings everyone. Had my 3 jacked up cats in the mesh enclosure and they were doing fine. I got pneumonia and on Xmas Day went to the hospital for a week. My daughter who was visiting for the holidays with her family was place in charge of my "3 friends." She decided that because I had 2 Milkweed plants in pots outside that were flowering that they might enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and being on natural habitat. So she put ithe milkweed plant into the enclosure with them. She could not believe how animated they became. They were all over the plant jumping from flower to flower. Said she was glad that she did as they seemed to really enjoy it. A little latter on my Grandson said that he thought 2 of them were really enjoying the plant. And they were. Looked the plant over yesterday and found 8 1/2 inch Cats and a few eggs. Now we know that even deformed Monarchs can mate and keep the species alive. I now have a new argument for those who say I should " terminate cripples."I never expected to be raising cats in January. Hope my Milkweed lasts. Has anyone else ever done this? Would like to know.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

That's certainly some encouraging info. While it's sad if they can't fly, I've usually gone the route of still releasing. They at least get to experience their senses and what nature has to offer, stimulating their antennae and such. Plus, birds and other predators do need to eat at least one to start learning the lesson that they taste bad and that those colors/pattern should be avoided, so even a flightless one can still contribute to the species that way. Great to hear that yours contributed in a much more successful way!

@johncostello4978

7 жыл бұрын

Hi. Had to get a friend to move my milkweed buckets from outside into the living room as we are going to have a freeze tonight. I do not want to get caught again.

btw, I'm loving your videos!

We have 2 right now! Ur videos helped me so much!!!! But the milk weed we have is only one stalk with leaves not bushy like yours was with the net over them! I found a new obsession!!!!!

Awesome!! I am going to try this next summer. Today I was gathering Milkweed leaves for my very hungry caterpillars (sorry, Eric Carle) and found 7 more eggs.

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

In many years, I only have gone on an "egg hunt" once or twice. After that, in just finding food for the ones I'm raising, I find more than enough eggs to take in for the season. (And thus, have to leave some be and not take them all in. Don't want the quality to suffer in exchange for quantity.)

Thanks for this valuable lesson in Monarch eggs, wow!

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

I'm pleased you found it worthy. Glad to have helped!

I reared and released 127 Monarchs this year, which was about all I could manage at my age. I didn't lose a single specimen. I had my best year in 1999, when I released 217 Monarchs into the wild.

@methamphetamine_9

3 жыл бұрын

Woah Thats a lot I am now going to rear some Monarchs for a hobby

I love your video & what you’re doing to help our butterfly crisis! Do you have an updated video showing us how you went about caring for the caterpillars??? I’d love to see and learn! Thanks!

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

The Raising Monarchs series has a "core" to it, Parts 1 - 5. In those five, I show the entire process, from finding eggs to caring for the caterpillars, to releasing the adults. Part 3 is likely what you're looking for, on how to care for caterpillars. Here's the link: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pX6Jmo9_oKqvZ5s.html

Some other things to include is check the mom for OE first, treat the eggs as needed, I personally would not leave the mama butterfly in the net for as long to reduce maybe the large quantity of eggs of the same genetic makeup and if possible another butterfly and repeat the process so there's more genetic diversity. This video is awesome very many good key points

Hello Rich. This morning numbers 51, 2 ,3, and 4 hatched out. I have a dozen chrysalises go and one hanging. Found a cat yesterday. Last year's last cat was on the 7th of this month and hatched out the 12th of Oct. Might have to put this one on a bus to Toledo to give it a head start. Thanks for all your help, info, and input this season Rich. About a dozen less than last year. But still worth it.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

I always feel that when there's less, that likely means it's even more important. I had 29 total released this year, assuming my very last one that is in chrysalis now makes it. I tested every one, and one had the OE bacteria spores and could not be released, taking my number from 30 to 29. However, that was my only loss. Again, assuming the current chrysalis makes it. I'm still casually looking at milkweed, hoping to find as you did some that are at the tail end of the season. There's always hope of that awesome September find!

Hi.Heads up on how to get more Milkweed plants. Had trimmings left over from cuttings I trimmed to feed my cats. Decided to try something different. Took a 8 ounce plastic water bottle and put 1/8 teaspoon of rooting hormone in it, filled it with water and shook it till hormone disolved. Scraped bark off cutting on opposite sides and put it into the bottle. That was 4 days ago. Look today. Looked today. Could not believe my eyes. Roots growing out of all the cutting. I believe hormone water was the trick. Easy way to get a jump on getting mature planes quicker. Do not forget to vote.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Nice tip! And I most definitely will not forget to vote this election. Not by a long shot.

Save the milkweed ~ Save the monarch! Keep planting seeds!

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

Indeed!

This is awesome!!! 08/2022 are you still doing this????

That was great they all were fertile! Of the 72 eggs I found in a two day period in September, about half hatched. I may try your idea. It is a lot of work to have that many at one time, but so worth it....I really miss them and can't wait for their return!

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

I hope things have been going well for you this season!

I love your videos. I live in Michigan and do monarchs too. I currently have 11 chrysalides and 3 caterpillars its define try interesting to watch caterpillars metamorphisis into the adult monarch butterfly thanks for the awesome videos.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

That's awesome to hear that you've found already that many. I've found one 5th instar caterpillar at the Detroit Zoo so far (who already transformed, emerged, and has been released), and that's it. I haven't found any eggs in my usual spots. Normally by this week in July, I've found a good batch (20 or so), but so far...no eggs. I was starting to worry, but hearing some success from another Michigander makes that worry fade a bit. Glad you've been watching them. More are on their way!

I applaud your efforts and successes. Good for you ,great teacher. I am going to try what you have taught. I hope I will have some success too

@MrLundScience

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Wendy! Good luck in your efforts!

bravo!!! i will be planting milkweed this spring

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

In Iowa. Retrieved 83 eggs from a female Monarch, using your mesh clothes hamper idea!. I give many of mine away to kids and friends. Hatched 65 myself, down to 20 of my own that are just started forming chrysalis yesterday. Right now 3 are chrysalis, 8 are in J form, and the rest are still munching. My grandsons preschool has 2, should be in chrysalis by the time they leave school today. Great idea retrieving a mass of eggs at the same time. Pretty easy! Thanks! I raised these in mason jars. I use mesh interfacing on top of jar, makes great surface for cats to form chrysalis. Since I gave so many away, I could handle the rest in jars. Need to build a few simple cages to do this again. We have plenty of milkweed, so it's been fun! My husband thinks I'm a little crazy, but he enjoys them too. Right now I need to figure how I'm going to hang the 20 chrysalis I'll have! Need to review you're other videos again. Thanks again for the GREAT tip! So much easier, and productive, than searching for eggs. Plus catch them before ant predators get to them. These will probably heading to Mexico! Wish I had gotten tags!

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Becky, that is FLAT OUT awesome! You're one of the first to tell me that they too have used this technique, and I'm thrilled that it was successful for you! I'm still at ZERO eggs this summer, which is weird. I'm easily over 100 by this time in previous years. If I find a female Monarch I'll be trying this technique again. Good luck with your efforts, and thank you so much for helping out!

@beckyesbaum3803

8 жыл бұрын

Okay -- one of the chrysalis doesn't have enough to clip to a string. I tried your glue method (which worked on another one), but I couldn't get it to work on this one. The cremaster is too short to attach. Any other ideas? Can it just stay laying down until it's time to emerge? . . . but then what?

@beckyesbaum3803

8 жыл бұрын

Reply to my own question . . . It sounds like 1) A hardened chrysalis can actually emerge if you place it laying down near a mesh type surface that the butterfly can climb up and hang from. It's critical that the newly emerged butterfly has a way to hang upside down while it's wings fill out and it dries. 2) If a cat falls "before" it actually forms a chrysalis -- it can pupate (form a chrysalis) while lying down. Try to watch for it's cremaster emerging, and see if you can get it to attach to a Q-tip -- and then hang it up. You don't want the chrysalis to harden while lying down, it gets a flat spot. (I actually just lost one that came loose while it was in a "J" -- I didn't think it could live, so didn't even attempt to keep it. I wish I knew this trick yesterday . . . )

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Yes. After I posted the Chrysalis Repair video, a few spoke up and corrected me. (And to any reading this, please understand, I love being corrected! Learning accurate information is WAY more important to me that ever being "right".) I had been told by some good resources that they couldn't emerge lying down. Goes to show, we all have to do our homework, as trust me, this resource has some quality information otherwise, but they were wrong about this. Thus, I do have plans to make a video bringing up this necessary correction, and actually showing some laying down emerging. However, nature doesn't need to comply with my desires. It is July 25th, and I still have found ZERO eggs... I'm pretty bummed. I had plans for at least three more videos, but without the actual stars, it's tough to do. Can't really show how to test for OE on Monarchs without actual Monarchs, right? Thanks for the tips, and for taking it upon yourself to add your results of your research to the comments!

Have so many questions. We are looking at plotting some of our land to making a habitat for butterflies and would definitely love more info to draw them in. Any help on pointing me in the right direction to start is appreciated.

Youre so gentle with the butteflies 😊

thank you so much for all the help and tips

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

+Ethan vargas Absolutely! Thanks for using the info!

I love your videos!

WOW!!! She was BUSY! That's amazing!

@MrLundScience

9 жыл бұрын

Carrie Hittel Amazing not only in the results, but in the ease of doing it! This will be a big time saver for me each year.

I did this and I got 8 eggs lol love your vids, very helpful

For Oregon this would almost be too late. Yours will be adults at the end of Aug, how good will the MW be? I just released a couple of wild caught from our garden but our MW leaves are getting stiff and pods are almost ready to open.

What a great system you have. Question. How do you control aphids? They are killing, it seems, my milkweed. Any advice?

@MrLundScience

4 жыл бұрын

Aphids are daunting. I've spoken to MSU's botanical gardens care takers, and they discussed at length that they've tried a few different things, but ultimately, the best non-chemical way (which is probably the route to take to not harm potential Monarch eggs) is to squish them. I go into more detail with the "Pests And Predators" vid here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k5WZl7akqszLqJc.html

This experiment was awesome! Thank you :-D

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

No problem. Though, these days, if I do this, I only do it for about an hour. 90 eggs was a lot! I mean, I raised them and made sure to provide for them, but still, it was more than I expected. When I've done this since with just an hour time frame, I've gotten 20 eggs, and then the other time, it was like 7 -10. I forget the exact number at the moment.

Hey Rich Just wanted to give you a progress report. Went into work today and there were three Monarchs waiting to be released. Now up to a doz chrysalises, three cats and three hanging. Hope you did well on your egg hunt. Things are going well so far. Be nice to see more Monarchs tho.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update. I'm sorry to say, though, after 4 hours out there, I came up empty handed. It's quite a let down. Usually by this time of the year, my hunts produce eggs, each time. Not yet. I don't want to get worried yet...but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm a little worried. Hear from yourself, though, another Michigander, that definitely gives me hope!

Great job dude... I’m just starting to attempt this in Redondo Beach, CA... it’s almost winter now and I still have caterpillars growing and changing... I wonder how long they will keep living when it gets into the 40’s at night here?

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

A Michigan guy like me would at first think that's crazy, but others on the West Coast have said that they too have Monarchs still in caterpillar or chrysalis stages. That's wild! I hope they do well for you.

Coolest guy ever! So❤your passion!

@MrLundScience

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. But, my passion is worth little without others taking it up and running with it too. Thank to all of you for what you do! Thank you John!

This was beyond awesome

I found a pretty orange color milkweed in my pasture :)

Hello, Rich. Hubby and I have been actively trying to find and raise Monarchs for several years, here in Madison, Wisconsin. Last year I discovered your extremely well-done videos, and because of them, I feel much more confident for this summer project. Thank you! I'm anxiously waiting for you to continue your 2017 series. Although we search our yard for cats every year, we have never found more than three cats in any particular summer. Two years ago, we raised two from 3rd or 4th instar stage to adults, and one perished when the chrysalis failed to attach strongly to the top of the critter cage, and fell. I thank you for the video on Chrysalis Repair. Hopefully, we will catch that problem quickly enough to fix it if necessary. There are at least three different types of milkweed that either grow wild or we have grown from seed and planted in several places on our 1/4 acre yard. We've grown Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) for many years, have a corner of the lot where we leave the common milkweed alone, have grown from seed and continue to plant more each year of Swamp Milkweed, grow from seed the annual Tropical Milkweed in pots, and recently obtained three plants of Purple Milkweed, which is not in the ground yet! Because of this and our devotion to perennial gardens of Yarrow, Bee Balm, Cone Flowers, and Black-eyed Susans, we have recently become certified as a Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch. Last year, we found ZERO cats here on our lot, but we're feeling much better about the plight of the Monarch this year. Although we haven't seen any adult Monarchs this year visiting our yard, or really anywhere that we've noticed, we found five 4th and/or 5th instar cats in the past 24 hours! Four of the five cats look as if they could J-hang very soon. We currently have them in random containers with window screening covering, held in place with rubber bands. Two are in a 5 qt ice cream bucket, one in a 2 qt Rubbermaid container, and the littler one is in a shallow take out food container. After watching your video using the spiral hamper to encourage egg laying, we invested in two of them. We don't have a screened porch, but we do have a long table in the room off our deck that from late April to late May is used to aid in hardening off the dozens of tomato and pepper starts we raise for co-workers, friends, and family. We dragged our heels at putting the tables away this year, and they're very convenient for the three containers our five cats are munching and pooping in. I guess we're ready if we catch a female in the wild and are fortunate enough to get her to lay eggs on. Questions: [1] Do you recommend a source for buying a good quality butterfly net? [2] Critter cages? I don't know if we are quite ready to raise 90 at once! We have plenty of milk weed plants, but I don't know if we could house the cats properly, but more so I worry about how to keep that many chrysalides sheltered. [3] Would an UNSCREENED porch (facing west) be suitable for running the string on which to mount the chrysalides? Thank you for reading. We are big fans!

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Greetings Jeri (and Hubby), and that sounds like some cool work with your Way Station. If you do successfully "milk" a female for eggs, yeah, do it for much less time than I did. I too wasn't sure I was ready for 90 at once. I did it, and with a good success rate, but many things during that time had to go on the back burner. It was a very large time commitment. As for the chrysalis repair, I'm happy to have made that video, but the "Eclose Without Hanging" video trumps it. Repair, it would seem, is not necessary. As long as the chrysalis is in tact, it can develop even on its side. If you haven't watched it yet, check it out, as it could save you some time next time around if it happens: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nax33NRxaabRY6g.html To answer your questions: 1) I don't have a specific company or anything, but I would say, don't get your typical store bought net. The *deeper* the net, the better (and safer) for the butterflies or whatever you are attempting to capture. If the net it turned sideways, the length of the net that is below the bottom of the opening circle should be more than the diameter of the opening. Does that make sense? Another way of saying the same thing is, the entire depth of the net should be *at least* twice the length of the diameter. That way, when you swing the net and something is captured in it, you can give it a quick 90 degree angle rotation and the net is "closed" but there's still plenty of room for the insect within the net. 2) The cages I recommend are the "to go" containers that I show in the videos for when t he caterpillars are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar, and when they are 4th and 5th, I recommend the plastic terrariums I show (mostly in Parts 3 and 4). I know that those containers for the 4th and 5th instar are expensive, but they also are durable enough to last for years. I've had the same for as long as I've been doing this. I like them for the easy ventilation they provide. However, cheaper tupperware containers could be used, provided enough holes are put in them for ventilation, yet not large enough for the cats to get out. 3) You absolutely could run string outside without the screened in porch. That porch was just a "bonus" already there when we bought the house. It gives me the advantage of getting to test the emerging Monarchs, though, should they emerge when I'm not home, as they don't get to go anywhere until I release them. But yeah, I understand not most people will have such a porch. It's totally NOT a necessity. Great work with your efforts. Seriously! I'm loving the enthusiasm. Keep it up!

@jeritroia3635

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for writing back! The random tupperware containers and ice cream buckets are covered with window screening, so the entire top is ventilated. Today we found two more large cats, and Hubby completed the two-day training through UMinnesota's Monarch Joint Venture. We are excited and ready for the summer. After watching your two videos on OE today, I became worried that it's a risk to encourage egg laying with the hamper. What if the mama is infected with OE?

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

The most important video plans for this summer is testing out a way to prevent OE, *even if* the mother had spores and deposited them on the leaves/eggs. I've heard about it, and it involves bleach solution to cleanse the eggs. If the bleach is diluted enough, it kills spores without harming the eggs (apparently). I'm excited to give it a shot, but can't really coach on it yet, as I've not done it before. Still, if you look up "bleaching monarch eggs", you'll find information that is already available on the internet that discusses the technique. In the mean time, I wouldn't let the threat of OE discourage efforts. Whether it is from milking a female or just collecting eggs found, the chance of OE would still be present. If you do feel concerned, though, you could milk, and then test out the bleach method for yourself. (Perhaps, though, try to do it with just a few eggs first to get the hang of it.)

How is progress going with the 90 eggs you collected?

Did you rear any egg-parasitoids Trichogramma from eggs of moths? I study them.

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Not to my knowledge... Are you asking if I've reared any intentionally, or unintentionally? I'm unfamiliar with them.

Can you still do this at this time of year?

I live in Camp Hill,Pa. I have been raising monarchs for the last 13 years..released over 1000. I have 3 came out today , but l will not be able to release them due to terrible rain outside. This is the first time lm facing a dilemma of how to keep them in the fish tank for at least 15 hrs. I have some flowers from the butterfly bushes right now that they are on. I hope they will get fed on these flowers for the next day or so.. Any other ideas to help these Monarchs will be g

Wow you are just amazing !! This is a big commitment we need more homeowners to plant a butterfly garden instead of those useless shrubs and plants that nurseries offer . I have a monarch caterpillar on my ice ballet milkweed do I need to do something to protect it or it’s fine on its own ? Thanks keep your good work.

@MrLundScience

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. For the caterpillar that you have out there, just be aware, nature is not a kind place for caterpillars. It's brutal. Statistically, depending upon which study you read, there's between a 3% and 10% chance of an egg making it to an adult. So, it's up to you if you wish to just root for the little bugger, or if you want to go further and take him/her into a controlled environment. But, either way, having the milkweed out there is already helping!

Absolutely amazing!!! Thank you for these videos. This is my 6th year raising monarchs and I've learned some great new things from these videos! I've been passing your name to many people who are looking to learn about raising these amazing creatures }i{

@MrLundScience

9 жыл бұрын

jendlit Thanks for the support! Spread the word and the vids. We CAN get this species recovered!

@lindashansen2561

9 жыл бұрын

MrLundScience I shared all your videos in one place on my FB :)

MrLund, I have a weekender cabin in the Catskills NY (13788 zip) that has a small 'natural' MW patch about the size of a handball court...though I don't know what type of MW they are nor whether the type is beneficial and/or if Monarchs are conducive to feeding/breeding in that locale of the US (I've seen an occasional Monarch flit by, but not many). I have extensive (!!) areas to expand the patch or plant a different type of MW if doing so in that area would benefit the population as a whole. I tried last season to sow some of the pod seeds (there are about 100 pods per year) but I believe I gathered the seeds too early before they were 'ripe' so to speak. Do you have any thoughts generally regarding that area of the country, if it's an area where expanding the MW patch would be beneficial - and if so what type of seeds are best to sow (species) and where maybe to get some? I know that's a lot of questions, I simply have a ton of space that I can relatively easily convert to a MW pasture if I get some tips on the best MW to plant or if that part of the US really isn't Monarch beneficial. TIA for thoughts you might have.

Is it possible to buy a few and get one pair to lay eyes. Then after I let them go, I will be able to take care of the new eggs. As there are no butterflies over here.

Thank you your videos are very helpful! Do we have to be careful that we release the males and Females a distance apart because they are siblings .

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

You're definitely welcome! I don't know that we need to take brothers and sisters into consideration all that much. Female Monarchs will lay eggs throughout a patch of milkweed at times. There could easily be 20 eggs, all within 10 or 20 feet from each other. And while not all are likely to survive, those that do will be forming chrysalides near each other, and emerging near each other on approximately the same day. And if we think further of it, all of the eggs that a Monarch lays in a day, well, they are all within the flight distance a female can make within a day. Thus, when whatever Monarchs that are in that day's batch make it and emerge as adults, they are all brothers and sisters that emerge within a day (or less than a day) of flight between them. In short, Monarchs have been having brothers and sisters emerge nearby each other for millions of years, and it hasn't cause a problem. I hope that makes sense. Thank you for doing what you can to help them out!

Hi. If you want the lazy mans way of getting Monarch eggs go to a plant nursery that has potted Milkweed plants for sale. Look for a Monarch laying her eggs and buy that plant. $5 bucks in my neighborhood. 32 is my biggest egg haul yet .31 hatched and were released into the wild. And you know the plants are insecticide free. When you want more eggs just put the plants outside for a few days and watch for a butterfly. Very fatigueing but someone has to do it.Happy Hunting

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

Gotta admit, I never thought of trying that. Good tip!

I just found a pair mating in my Milkweed and considered doing this, but I’m so busy with house renovations, that I’m not doing any Monarchs this year.

I would love to know how many Pounds of leaves it take to raise 93 eggs to maturity.

And the beat goes on. Have found 5 cats over the last 3 days. From 1/2 inch long to 1 inch long. Thriving. Saw a Monarch flying outside near flowers so I went out to see where she would go. Went straight to a Milkweed plant and laid some eggs. I only counted 8 eggs. I covered the branch with netting to protect the eggs. Hopefully I will get more cats off this plant. I do notice that when I release them now that they head North West in the direction of the Florida Pan Handle. Mexico, here they come.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Cool finds, indeed. Seems late in the season, though. Meanwhile, yesterday, I found a HUGE female Chinese Mantid, and she ALREADY laid a nice plump ootheca for me! Come spring, I'm not just raising monarchs...provided it's fertilized, I'll be raising a few hundred mantids!* *And after a few days, it'll be much fewer, as the shall eat each other quite readily once hatched.

@johncostello3364

7 жыл бұрын

Some people have blamed them for helping the demise of the Monarch. I have never seen them do this but who knows?

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

They are categorized as an introduced species, but not an invasive one. Their population has taken root, but is not over-abundant. It predates on both beneficial insects, but also on pest insects, which has deemed it neutral. So, while it's certainly capable of taking out the occasional Monarch, the Chinese Mantid is certainly much less a factor than human influence. And when she turns her head to look at me, I feel the love an affection (or so I wish to believe)! Last night, she drank water off of my fingers, and it tickled a little!

you are so great to be doing this, I was inspired by you to help aswell. and so far they are doing Amazing! just curious, is milkweed a Perennial? like does it come back every year or do you have to replant it every YEAR? thanks

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, it comes back every year. In fact, it will also have a root system that spreads out, and springs up new stalks. They may look like separate plants, when in fact, they are part of the same plant.

@OutdoorsAndBotanical

7 жыл бұрын

Great! when do you think the monarchs would be out in the southern part of CANADA? I only found 4 eggs so far and I am not sure if it is too early or too late. any Idea? thanks

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Canada, similar to the latitude I'm at, is experiencing the emerging of 2nd generation adults, currently laying 3rd generation eggs. The numbers aren't large yet (not that you can ever really say "large" with the current population status). My normal indicator for when it "gets good" is the first week in July. I've found so far 3 caterpillars (2nd generation) and 2 eggs (3rd generation) up to this point, if that helps put it in a limited perspective.

@OutdoorsAndBotanical

7 жыл бұрын

that would make sense. so the ones here laying eggs are the ones that hatched in Mexico or where they migrate Right? so they would take some time to get here and find a mate and lay eggs. out of the 4 eggs I found 3 hatched, one caterpillar died, and 2 grew very fast. I think they are at there third or fourth in star. thanks so much for your help.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Not exactly. Those that overwinter in Mexico are 4th generation from the previous year. I don't know exactly when they mate, be it before winter or after, but, as they start to migrate north, they lay eggs along the way. Those eggs are 1st generation of the new year, and they make it to the southern US States. These 1st gen that hatch, they continue to migrate, mate, and lay as they go. These make it and spread throughout the Eastern US, and even some to Southern Canada. These lay 2nd generation eggs, and those are currently at the caterpillar/chrysalis stage, and a few of the early ones are emerging as adults now. Eggs that we find at this point are highly likely then, 3rd generation eggs. Throughout the next few weeks, especially the first two weeks of July, eggs found are most likely 3rd generation eggs. They will then be the ones to emerge in late July/early August, and will be laying the August eggs which will be 4th generation. And, as you may have already picked up on, these 4th generation Monarchs will be the ones which migrate to Mexico come fall.

Thank you for you video🦋🌈🌞

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Well, hey, you're welcome!

How is the "feeding" actually performed?

I have enjoyed your videos! I live in Florida, purchased some milkweed to "help out" and since viewing your information have raised 15 monarchs to chrysalis! They will be emerging any day now. As a bonus, I went and checked my plants and found more eggs which are now caterpillars - 20! I believe they will fly and winter at St Mark's wildlife refuge near Tallahassee. Thank you for the information, they are a joy.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

+Adel Partlo In Michigan, we are definitely done for a while. But it's so awesome to hear this kind of news in December. I get to enjoy the process vicariously through my southern state friends! Thank you so much for not only taking up the effort, but for leaving the comment that helps testify to others that yes, this can help, and planting milkweed WILL make a difference! (And thanks to ALL of you for commenting and telling us of your success!)

@adelpartlolocke1358

8 жыл бұрын

+Adel Partlo Thank you for your response! I now have 2 Monarch butterflies and the rest are well on their way. This is only possible because I followed your 5 videos on "how-to". Thank you! Surprisingly though the 2 emerged this evening right at dusk. I don't know what they will do till morning. But it is warm here and the milkweed is right next to them. I guess the surprise was they came out at night, I did not know they would do that. But again thank you. I could not of done this without your help. I have been telling my friends here they can also do it and to just watch your videos. I gave my grand daughter 2 caterpillars and a milkweed plant and they are going to watch your videos and give it a try. I think the whole family is now involved. So glad you made those videos.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

+Adel Partlo I haven't had any emerge at night, so that surprises me as well. What time did you first notice them? I have had some come out very early in the morning, as early as 6am. I've also had some come out as late as 8pm in the summer. In both cases, the sun was always out. I started to get the impression that something internal can sense if the warmth of the day has arrived. There have also been days where a chrysalis is all translucent and looks like it'll emerge that day, but the weather hasn't been too nice. It may have been a rain storm that day, or just cloudy, cooler than usual weather. The butterflies, in those few cases, have put off emerging for a day. From the look of the chrysalis, I thought they might then come out at night, but they would hold off until the next morning. At any rate, thanks for passing on the videos, and a definite special thanks for getting the younger generation involved and teaching them some conservation efforts! Those memories last a long time!

@adelpartlolocke1358

8 жыл бұрын

+MrLundScience Regarding the "2" now that emerged in the evening: It gets dark here now between 5-5:30pm. One was out around 4:40pm and then another one came out at 5:30pm to my surprise. I used a flashlight to see him on my deck (they are hanging on my chrysalis line protected under my glider swing awning - no screen porch to use). Last night the temp was in the mid 60's. Both are now warming up as the day gets warmer and they are starting to dry their wings. I expect they will continue during the day and go to the milkweed right next to them. So I guess these lil ones internal compass was off as I thought they would sleep until morning light. I was also surprised as the chrysalis looked black a day before they turned. I thought they would go from green to clear, I guess it was just the transaction of colors. Was that normal, or is it because it is getting cooler here? All my other chrysalis are doing the same thing, and they are monarchs. Also I am encouraging my friends and family to plant milkweed. Since they are not as dedicated to raising some like I have learned, I have asked them to have the plants so passerby Monarchs can have some food on their journey! Thank you!!!!!

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

+Adel Partlo Have you seen the other videos in the "Raising Monarchs" series yet? When the chrysalis is going about its normal business and turns translucent, it is mostly black, but eventually you also will see the orange pattern on the wings coming through. So, does it turn "black" or "translucent"? The better answer would be "translucent" and thus, allows you to see the mostly black body. If you see the other videos in the series, this is shown very much, especially "Raising Monarchs Part 5".

Can someone tell me what is up with the squash-cucumber debate as food for Monarch caterpillars when you run out of milkweed?

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

I know that I can't, as I have had no experience with this. Has anyone who reads these comments done this and can comment on it?

I have about 400 milkweed plants , not including the ones that I am going to plant this year

Hi. Had a birth last p/m. Female. Lower tip of right underneath wing folded at outside edge about 1/2 inch. Tried something new. Took a tooth pick and gently "milked" the wing towards the fold that I was holding extended. I was literally forceing fluid into the unfilled wing end. With this done the female started pumping the wings like mad. Will not know if it will work but was worth a try. Also, I noticed on a Milkweed plant a cluster of small eggs laid in rows. Almost a square. Does anyone know what insect laid them. Please let me know if you do. Thanks.

@mell8577

5 жыл бұрын

What color are the eggs? I found a similar cluster and they turned out to be ladybug eggs. Happy to see them because the aphids are terrible this year.

I have been watching all your monarch videos. I've recently discovered some common milkweed on my property and am hoping to find some eggs. I did have a monarch visit my flower bed recently so I know there's at least one in the area. My question is...when is the best time to look for eggs? I am located in SW Pennsylvania. I plan on collecting some seeds this fall and am going to try to winter sow them to see if I can get some more milkweed growing in my yard. Great video series!!!!!!

@MrLundScience

9 жыл бұрын

Katrina Majoros The best time is NOW! For me, here in Michigan, according to my journals for the past five years, the earliest I have found eggs has been June 29th, and the latest I have found eggs is August 10th. Now, I definitely know you can find eggs earlier and later than those dates. However, that can give you a feel for how abundant they are. I have looked for eggs very thoroughly prior to and after those dates, and still haven't found eggs. The peak" of the egg laying season for me in Michigan seems to be this last week of July that happened, and this first week of August. Those two weeks are when I've found the most. Currently, I've still been finding eggs daily. So get out there! Good luck in your quest!

I LOVE your videos! Thanks for the great idea!

I was getting milkweed for my last Monarch caterpillar out of my "bucket garden" when I spied a caterpillar on my dill plants. It looked like a Monarch caterpillar but on closer look the colors were off. Turned out to be a Swallowtail caterpillar. Found 3 more. Guess I'm in the Swallowtail business also. At least the Swallowtail will eat a number of things.

@MrLundScience

7 жыл бұрын

Have any of them shown you their osmeterium yet? Coolest part of the Swallowtails, I think! Also, interesting about the EBS (Eastern Black Swallowtail) is that it's first 2 instars look completely different than what you have now, and very similar to bird waste. So, for the first two instars, the strategy is to look like something both camouflaged, yet distasteful, and then once it can develop foul chemicals in the osmeterium, it switches strategy to trying to advertise with coloration that you don't want to eat it. Awesome animal indeed!

@johncostello4978

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. Also, these cats are beautiful. I think they are to small for the osmeterium yet. Also, final count on my Monarch chrysalises is 43. Lost two. Am going to post pic of them on Facebook today hanging on my elaborate set up.

butternut squash if you are low on milkweed,they love it

hi there i live in new zealand i talked to you at the begining of this year about some issues we had and you well helped out.ok spring here tis our new season in the last 3 days have had a girl come around laying so now we have about 60 eggs.now i think you said in one of your videos to give those eggs a 5% bleech wash is that correct thanks from rob not australia lol as you forgot to mention nz raises monarchs more than them

@MrLundScience

5 жыл бұрын

Hey hey hey...don't get me wrong! New Zealand is awesome! I'm a huge Ernest Rutherford fan! Here's the video for the bleach treating of eggs. Further, here is one on how you can bleach treat leaves too, to keep from bringing in any infectious baddies! Good luck! Bleach treating eggs: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oY6N3Nycd8zAgqQ.html Bleach treating leaves: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZHp5m5htZr2fqNY.html

Mr Lund Did you ever have one not emerge from chrysalis? I have one that is way past due! It turned clear and then I noticed it looked like a white wing inside - or maybe air bubble and it did not come out. But I did not see it trying to split open. Out of my first batch of 15 it is my last one. Is it dead as it is close to a week and a half over time and not looking good? It would be nice to know because I have 20 new ones eating like crazy and getting ready to J-hang and if it is something I could do to help please advise.

@MrLundScience

8 жыл бұрын

+Adel Partlo If it was that late, but still looked as it should, I would still wait. However, if yours is that late and looks significantly different, I would remove it from there as soon as you can. If it is infected with OE bacteria or NPV virus, you don't want to have it open and spread the infection. I would also sanitize that location as best you can, using bleach water and other disinfectants. Sorry to hear of the loss!