I have really found it interesting to raise butterflies. Specifically the Black Swallowtail and the Monarch. These are photographs I took of a Black Swallowtail from Caterpillar stage until he had emerged from the cocoon, dried and was ready to fly. It's kinda difficult to keep the birds from having the caterpillars for lunch. The eggs are soooooooo tiny I found it was difficult to capture in a photograph and post, but will keep trying. For those who love nature as much as I do, maybe this will be interesting.
Posted by Thomas Biggs on June 30, 2009 at 12:32 PM
The black swallowtail must have certain plants to lay their eggs on so that the larva which hatch will have the plant to feed. I prefer the green fennel plant because it seems that the butterfly comes to this one more quickly to lay her eggs. You can buy these at nursery's in the spring, and they will come back year after year. The beautiful Monarch prefers the milkweed plant to lay her eggs on. Here is a picture of a Swallowtail egg. They are laid singly all over the plant.Thanks for your nice comment.
No program, Sandy. Just and interest. Since I have started this venture, my yard is filled with butterflies, which I enjoy watching, videoing and photographing, especially the swallowtails and monarchs. I have spent a lot of time studying their habits and planting plants which each species feed on and lay their eggs on to product caterpillars for butterflies.It has not been a good season for them here in Georgia this year because of soooooooo much rain. I always look forward to the next season tho.
Discussion
5 repliesIs this some kind of formal program you're involved in? How cool - if so or if not!
Sandy r