Celebrating the ordinary
I like butterflies!
I’ve missed having monarchs (Danaus plexippus) in the yard this summer, and was delighted to see one nectaring on our Joe-Pye weed (Eupatoriaum fistulosum) recently. However, I didn’t have the camera and didn’t manage to document it.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is holding their second Caterpillar Weekend – August 23-24; view the two-page flier (700 KB PDF). I attended this event last year, and was amazed at the variety of caterpillars we discovered. It was great fun and I learned a lot!
I wish caterpillars were better understood and appreciated. It seems many folks think of them as bad ‘worms’. Caterpillars are not worms – they are one stage in the life cycle of butterflies and moths. Although a few can be classified as pests, most are beneficial. All of them are an important part of nature and the food chain, especially for adult and baby birds.
I am fascinated by caterpillars and appreciate the chance to learn more about them. I look forward to this year’s event and invite you to join us. It’s a great chance to meet others who appreciate nature, and to enjoy one of Kentucky’s beautiful state parks.
I have learned that my presentation on Monarch Waystations for the Sierra Club on Monday, July 15, is at 7:00 p.m.
I apologize for the confusion.
I’ll be repeating my Monarch Waystation presentation for the Sierra Club on Monday, July 15th, 7:00 p.m. (note corrected time) at Second Presbyterian Church, 460 E. Main Street, Lexington, KY (map). The presentation is free and open to the public.
I haven’t seen any monarchs in my yard this year, and I don’t know of anyone in Lexington who has. This is the first time in 7 years that I haven’t seen them before July 1.
Overwintering monarchs in Mexico once covered 50 acres – last year they covered less than 3. Their numbers are now 1/15th of what they were in 1977. And last year they declined 59% compared to the previous year. Source: Monarch Watch.
However, Bald Eagles have come back from the brink of extinction. If enough folks care and get involved, I’m hopeful we can help monarchs do the same.
I think Monarch Waystations are the best way we can help these remarkable butterflies, and my goal in the presentation is to make it easy to get started.
If you live in the Lexington area, I’d be glad to see you next Monday. I’d also appreciate you sharing this with anyone else who might be interested.
I’m delighted to report that the eggs laid by the female Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) produced lots of caterpillars (I’m guessing at least 70) eleven days later.
Continue reading “Cecropia moth caterpillars looking for a home”