My wife and I have been raising, mostly learning, Monarchs the last two summers and we are getting prepared to get started again this spring. Their migration map shows the closest sightings in Illinois, Kentucky and Minnesota. So in around three weeks or so, they should be arriving in Michigan to begin their summer mating before they head back to Mexico this fall.
The reason we raise them is because their population is seriously low and by breeding them we actually give them a 90% more chance to survive to adults.
Have you seen a Monarch butterfly yet this year? Have you ever raised them?
Oh Scott what a wonderful thing to do, raising Monarchs. They're so beautiful and it would be such a shame not to have them anymore. We as humans, have destroyed and continue to do so at an alarming rate, the animals and insects that inhabit the earth alongside us. Thank you and your wife for going above and beyond what most folks do, to keep a species viable and alive. Wonderful article!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they could be raised. As a child, we would occasionally find a cocoon and keep it until it hatched. Can't tell you what moth or butterfly it turned out to be. I am thrilled that a local park has been growing a large patch of milkweeds. I believe to aid the Monarchs. Glad you are helping them too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn! It really is a miracle to watch these beautiful creatures life cycle. Thanks for stopping by!
Delete