Monarch eggs in Florida

[Jeff Young]

Since moving from CT to FL last summer, I only saw a couple Monarchs
last fall.  They were in pretty badly beaten up and I assume blown off
the normal flyway.  Yesterday we had a strong front come across the
state from the Gulf of Mexico.  A single female Monarch in desperate
shape found my newly planted Butterfly Garden.  I can only assume that
she realized continuing on her journey  would mean being blown out into
the Atlantic Ocean, with a full load of eggs.  She deposited 37 eggs on
6 newly planted Butterfly Milkweed seedlings.

Those of you who know me, also know I am very "Pro-Life" when it comes
to butterflies.  My first thought was to let nature take it's course;
however, I can not in this case.  My property is loaded with birds and
Anoles (lizards).  Although, Monarchs are poisonous for them, being
unfamiliar with the specie, they will eat first and learn when they get
the tummy ache.  Also last week I watched a Green Anole try to eat a
Eastern Tent Caterpillar.  It did spit it out after a couple minutes;
however, the caterpillar was dead.  This is what would happen to the
Monarchs.

Therefore, I have decided to intercede and do what I can.  I have
removed 23 eggs.  The remainder are on the stems and buds of the
plants.  This has reduced the plant leaves by about 1/3rd. I have cut
away and refrigerated as much extra leaf material as possible.  I will
purchase more plants at the nursery tomorrow.  I have not seen any
native Milkweed in this area and we are under severe drought conditions
again this spring. Both my humidors, all rearing cups, and every old
cole-slaw container I have, has been pressed into service.  (Mista
Fengala - Mrs. Lemmon, emergency aid requested!).

If anyone has any creative ideas, I welcome them.  If FL events are to
far off subject for a CT based news group - please don't flame me - just
let me know.  A Monarch, or it's offspring, saved here in April, may
just be the one you get to enjoy in June!

Regards,  Jeff Young