Monarch Caterpillar

[Jay241]

Off topic but really love these butterflies. I have a few milkweed plants in front of the house and they have been coming all year round. Right now I have more than 80 caterpillars. Sad enough they are running out of food and until the plant regrows in a few months they will be fighting for their lives. This one is eating at the top of the plant.


View attachment JAY04741-2.jpg

 

[Electromen]

Since you're in Florida, do they migrate to Mexico?
Do they go through four generations per year?
We have milkweed in our yard here in Pittsburgh just for the Monarchs.

 

[Jay241]

Hi Greg, this is the first time I have been successful attracting so many monarchs to my home, so I am not sure in which generation they are right now. Also I know they come to warmer places like South Florida and California during the cold months. I know as you stated, it takes 4th to 5th generations for them to migrate to Mexico. Will plant more around my backyard next spring to attract more. Those caterpillars can strip a whole plant in a matter of 2-3 days. Maybe a few of the ones you see come down here to S. Fla.

 

[itsneedtokno]

What did you shoot that with?

Looks great!

 

[Jay241]

What did you shoot that with?

Looks great!

Thanks, used the Sony Alpha a6300 in "auto" mode.

 

[itsneedtokno]

Thanks, used the Sony Alpha a6300 in "auto" mode.

What lens did you use?

I'm looking at Sony systems right now

 

[Jay241]

What lens did you use?

I'm looking at Sony systems right now

I used the one that came with the camera. Sony E PZ 16-50mm SELP1650 f/3.5-5.6.

 

[Jay241]

After 10 days (forgot to post it), caterpillar was almost ready.

 

[Jay241]

....and after 11 days, nature magic.