Butterflies

These are two of many pictures that my neighbor sent in an email. They were taken at a beach on the Gulf of Mexico not too far from here.

Each fall monarch butterflies migrate through this part of the country on their way to Mexico for the winter.

This same neighbor had also given my kids a milkweed for Easter last year. The monarchs lay their eggs on this plant and when the caterpillars hatch, they devour every leaf and some of the stems of the milkweed. Then, when they have had enough to eat, they find a quiet place and spin the cocoon that protects them during the metamorphosis.

Last week, my milkweed was barren and we had two cocoons on my house. Apparently, the butterfly on the front door frame emerged and was unable to dry it's wings enough to fly away. We found it on the front porch with one wing fully formed and the other withered and misshapen. My neighbor also had a misshapen butterfly that she gave to the girls to care for.

Katelyn has been diligent with the care of these butterflies. She takes them to the yard so they can get nectar (she swears they eat), makes sure they have water, and keeps them warm with her lamp from her room. I wish she paid that much attention to the dog she begged for.

I took pics of our misshapen butterflies but am unable to find the correct wire to connect my camera to the computer. So, those will have to be posted later.