Last summer I tried to capture the whole life cycle of the Monarch butterfly and failed. On top of it, in the course of the pursuit whole swaths of milkweed disappeared from the bayshore, fallen victim to Beach as Desert syndrome, or “beach grooming”—an infestation of large machines that dig out every trace of vegetation in order to present a vision of sandiness. I was morose. However (don’t tell the Desert People) the milkweed has returned, and with it the Monarchs and their caterpillars.
Life will find a way.
I have to acknowledge the sharp eyes of my friend Carol Park who was visiting last weekend. She’s the one who spotted the caterpillar. We went back to see if he’d made himself a chrysalis, but had no luck. I’ll keep at it. My faith has been restored.
Definitely related posts with links that will tell you lots and lots about Monarch butterflies:
- A YouTube timelapse sequence of a caterpillar forming a chrysalis
- Milkweed’s back – Monarchs sure to follow
- As promised
Torch Lake Views 
Anonymous
July 22, 2009
There was a patch of milkweed around here that was just cut down. I too had hope for the butterflies.
flandrumhill
July 22, 2009
How lovely! Two of my young nephews in Northern Ontario are waiting for their Monarchs to emerge. Life is always exciting and you’re so right… it does find a way.