It’s happened

The first Monarch Caterpillar has been spotted – this one on the Swamp Milkweed in the catio.

This one was a good size – and within a few days of taking the picture, he disappeared. Which means he’s probably headed off to make his Chrysalis! I have to keep my eyes peeled.

This is actually a couple weeks early for caterpillar spotting here. I usually don’t start seeing them until August. In fact, I’ve only seen two monarchs in the garden at all. One about a month ago (which may be this one’s Mama), and this sad specimen.

Once the caterpillars become butterflies, their only goal is to mate and lay eggs. And then they literally just flit about until their wings deteriorate. They literally fly themselves to death. But they are so beautiful until they do!