I saw this guy on the garage door. I don't think he's supposed to even be here (though SoCal is on their route...) I took another where it's clear he knows I'm there, but it's kind of creepy...
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Sign of early spring
- Thread starter rpandcat
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I hope so! Early spring sounds pretty nice right now. It's 6° and will be close to that for at least 48 hours...then a major snowstorm at the end of the week. Boo!!!!! [emoji]128530[/emoji][emoji]128567[/emoji][emoji]127788[/emoji][emoji]9731[/emoji][emoji]127784[/emoji]
Gosh I won't complain about that! A few years ago we saw our first robin at the end of January! I was so happy!!
Wow, that is beautiful. What kind of caterpillar is that?
No signs of spring here, we're knee deep in snow.
No signs of spring here, we're knee deep in snow.
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Here's a Robin for you!!! [emoji]128522[/emoji][emoji]128522[/emoji][emoji]128522[/emoji][emoji]128522[/emoji][emoji]128522[/emoji]
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WOW! S/he is WAY off schedule!
Here's a little info on the life cycle of the beautiful Monarch butterfly:
http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm
Here's a little info on the life cycle of the beautiful Monarch butterfly:
http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm
I hope it will be an early spring.. I am not sure though
Last Friday, I thought I saw either a robin or a cardinal in the back yard.
We got our first real snowfall Sunday night, and are expecting a Nor'Easter over the week-end. We are in the 'snow' pattern now.
It is 15 degrees at 6:45AM......
BRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Last Friday, I thought I saw either a robin or a cardinal in the back yard.
We got our first real snowfall Sunday night, and are expecting a Nor'Easter over the week-end. We are in the 'snow' pattern now.
It is 15 degrees at 6:45AM......
BRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
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- #8
Monarchs are also supposed to be caterpillars in Mexico. I think I've seen a couple of the caterpillars in my life. I don't know how he got to my garage door (I've decided he's a boy)...
I think it's southern Mexico. They go to the same trees they were born in, I think.
I think it's southern Mexico. They go to the same trees they were born in, I think.
Am I the only one who thinks he's adorable? :9:
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- #11
here's the other picture. The reason I think it's creepy is because it's clear he knows I'm there! Ahhh!!!!
I'll bet he's brightly colored because he's either poisonous or tastes bad. So the birds don't eat him.
He's just saying hello to you!
You're probably right or they have evolved that way to make birds and other possible predators just think that they are poisonous or taste bad.
Monarchs are toxic due to the milkweed they eat. So they need to have caution colors so birds know to avoid them :tongue2:.
It's like this: Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed on milkweed. They incorporate the glucoside into their body, and retain it when they become butterflies. Any bird - say a bluejay - that eats an adult monarch becomes so nauseated that they vomit. And never eats another Monarch again. Tough on the individual, excellent for the species.
The interesting detail is that Viceroy butterflies - which do not feed on milkweed - have a similar color and pattern to Monarchs as adult butterflies. Which mimicry gains them protection from butterfly-eating birds.
The interesting detail is that Viceroy butterflies - which do not feed on milkweed - have a similar color and pattern to Monarchs as adult butterflies. Which mimicry gains them protection from butterfly-eating birds.
Well if I can't get an early spring; this is definitely the best consolation prize possible.
One of my friends had some in her yard last year. She got video of them "hatching." (I can't think of the proper term!) Right now I just can't remember if its my friend in Southern Tennessee or Central Texas. Apparently I can't think straight because of the impending snowpacolypse. (Anything over 3" and no I don't live in the south.
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- #16
I totally forgot. A few months ago, I ran into a neighbor from down the street coming across my next-door neighbor's yard. She was planting milkweed for the butterflies. I did not realize that milkweed was monarch food. The next-door neighbors have little kids, and I'm sure they love seeing the butterflies.
But it is definitely the wrong time of the year.
The jade plants have buds, and will flower soon. I was surprised when they flowered in February a few years back--it's getting earlier every year.
But it is definitely the wrong time of the year.
The jade plants have buds, and will flower soon. I was surprised when they flowered in February a few years back--it's getting earlier every year.
Clever of the viceroys! I'm sure I've gotten those two mixed up quite a few times. There was one year when everyone noticed how few monarchs they'd seen. I finally saw one in Fall, but I bet it was a viceroy. I worry about the decline of the bees and butterflies.
I think he'd make a great pendant. I wonder if anyone makes jewelry based on them?Am I the only one who thinks he's adorable?
Wow, beautiful! Thanks @Kat0121
