GARDEN VISITORS

I have always had a love for visitors to my garden...not everything.  I could certainly do without the water moccasins and some creepy crawlies....But hummingbirds and butterflies have been invited guests for years.  As a matter of fact, i plan and plant for them.

There have been lots of butterflies laying eggs recently, but our horrific winds and rains have taken away all proof of eggs.  Luckily, I followed one Monarch as she fed on Milkweed, deposited her eggs, and went merrily along.  I have the lifecycle of the monarch in pictures for you.

This is a Milkweed plant. If you look carefully, you'll see a few eggs.

                                                                                                                     Laying eggs

                        If you look closely, you'll see more eggs:

The proof f the pudding!

And now you have a vigorous eating and pooping machines!

Don't forget to double click!

   

                                                                                               

    The next stage; preparing to become a Chrysalis;

                            or Pupa.

      Just hanging around!!!

As the Chrysalis matures, you can actually see the colors and design of the wings as the Chrysalis becomes transparent.

                                                                                                           

The newly hatched butterfly must pump and dry its wings.

       
     And that, my friends, is success!!!!