Our Last Monarch
By which I mean, the last Monarch we raised indoors and then released out in the garden. Now that the southward migration has begun, I don’t expect to find any more Monarch eggs or caterpillars.
The occupant of the last chrysalis emerged yesterday morning while Judy was on the phone. This morning we took her wire mesh cage out to the front garden. She climbed right onto Judy’s finger.
Judy then tried to deposit her on the Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia).
The Monarch made herself right at home.
And then spread her wings to bask in the morning sun.
There seems to be a lot of anecdotal evidence in Chicago and elsewhere that there have been a lot more Monarch butterflies flying around this summer. I’d like to think that all the planting of Milkweed by gardeners and conservationists is paying off. However, it’s been pointed out that what really matters is the number of Monarchs who survive the migration, then survive the winter in Mexico.
But there’s no question that the more numerous Monarchs have added an enchanting quality to every garden they have graced. Let’s keep planting Milkweeds and refraining from using insecticides, and maybe next year we’ll have even more.
gardeninacity 
Yes!!! Oh, lovely, Jason. A very bright spot of hope.
I like to think so.
Lovely to see the beautiful Monarch safely landing on Judy … Now that’s a real thank you from the butterflies! I’m sure you have both made a difference to the Monarchs and as Laurie says … A very bright spot of hope.
When they first come out of the Chrysalis, they will climb onto your finger without any urging.
Love these pics! Isn’t raising monarchs a fascinating and delightful experience? This was my third year raising them and I released 7 males and 8 females. I’m quite satisfied 😊.
It’s a great deal of fun.
Lovely post!!! We have released 6 with about 36 more to go that are still in caterpillar and chrysalis stage! This is our 1st year and it’s been so magical!
Wow! We haven’t done nearly as many. Good for you!
What a wonderful experience — for you, as well as for the monarchs!
I did have a lot more Monarchs this year – every time I was out in my yard I could find at least one, and usually several. Next year I plan to be ready to bring eggs in to a grand Monarch hotel. Well done, Jason and Judy!
I think you’ll enjoy that.
Oh wow, gorgeous. You raise your own butterflies and tame them too. What a perfect match for the tithonia. I wish I could have a flight of Monarchs on my tithonias.
When they first emerge from the Chrysalis they are quite tame and will crawl right onto your finger.
So, Queen Judy is our last monarch? I hope your hatchlings have a safe migration and come back for you to enjoy next summer!
Judy is very regal, you must admit.
Congratulations! Gigars? Hope that one makes it to Mexico and you will see the grandkids next year.
That’s what we are hoping.
I’ve seen quite a few and they came suddenly. I just saw one yesterday.
That’s good to hear.
How fun! We’ve started seeing them down here in Texas recently.
The migration is definitely under way!
Hello Jason (and Judy ? LOL) .. these were beautiful shots .. even a little sad because we know the season is drawing to a close .. and it is your last butterfly child to leave home.
I have a plan for next year so I don’t lose my cats .. I want to succeed so badly in helping them move on to the butterfly stage and lay their own eggs, keeping the cycle going .. so I will always have lots of “food” for them in the garden.
True, the end of summer is a little sad. Sounds like you have a good plan, though!
Perfect – and nice to see a picture of Judy with the monarch!
Thanks!
Beautiful shot of a lovely lady and her colorful friend. I hope we continue to make inroads to help the Monarch because a gardener’s life would certainly be negatively impacted.
I hate to think of my garden without them.
It seems like we had more of every kind of butterfly in our garden this year. They must like it hot and dry. Congrats on your Monarch beauty. May she live to repopulate your garden.
We had more Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, and Sulphurs. Fewer Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, and Tiger Swallowtails.
This is awesome! I had a student give me two monarch cats and they’re still in their chrysalises. I had several monarch cats in my garden, too. Very exciting! Great pics of Judy!
Well, she’s very photogenic.
How wonderful to release the monarch, I imagine it was extremely satisfying. I’ve never released a butterfly!xxx
I’d say you do a great deal for so many other kinds of animals!