Because the rain is finally gone...

... the butterflies can come out to play! It's migration time again, and once again, our milkweed is proving to be an irresistable stop for these beauties.


I had noticed a few butterflies before the rain. Apparently they were laying eggs, because now I see quite a few caterpillars munching on our milkweed.

This is the official "before" pic of the milkweed in bloom, before it's devoured by hungry caterpillars.


They start out very small. It's amazing how quickly they grow from this...


To this.


Soon my plant will be barren and we'll have cocoons hanging out on the fence, trees, house eaves, and anywhere else they feel safe enough to spin.

More to come as our story develops...