The Monarch butterfly is an endangered species, so many people are planting milkweed to encourage Monarch restoration.  I have such a plot.  However, I have noticed that, as the caterpillars emerge and munch milkweed leaves, they often disappear.  It is thought to be toxic to birds and other animals, but I am becoming skeptical that all birds don’t know that.  So I have taken steps to protect the caterpillars until they form a chrysalis and emerge as a butterfly, which is an awesome process to witness.

I take a five gallon plastic bucket, place a milkweed plant and a stick in the bucket, along with a caterpillar on the plant.  I cover the bucket with screening (something porous) to let in oxygen.  It also helps to put the milkweed plant stem in water to keep it moist.  In a few weeks you will be rewarded by the transition from caterpillar to chrysalis, to butterfly.  Often the chrysalis becomes attached to the screen cover, never the milkweed plant itself.  The stick is another option for attaching the chrysalis.  Enjoy this marvel of nature.

John Hanson