Today I saw a very early instar caterpillar feeding on the Tropical Milkweed flower. The milkweed flower is the only part which actually contains protein. This is an explanation for why the Monarch adult lays the eggs at the top of the plant, often on the underside of the top leaves or flowers, in order to provide the young caterpillar with the best possible food source. I was surprised to see such small caterpillars at this time of year. It seems that this young generation of caterpillars will probably have a hard time, considering that they're at risk of experiencing any overnight frosts in the coming weeks. Sadly, this is part of evolution; only those Monarchs that emerge at the right time of year can migrate and make it to Mexico before winter hits.
The Monarch Monitoring Project is a long-term study on monarch migration through Cape May, NJ. It is a part of the New Jersey Audubon Research Department, and closely affiliated with the Cape May Bird Observatory.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Late season update
Today I saw a very early instar caterpillar feeding on the Tropical Milkweed flower. The milkweed flower is the only part which actually contains protein. This is an explanation for why the Monarch adult lays the eggs at the top of the plant, often on the underside of the top leaves or flowers, in order to provide the young caterpillar with the best possible food source. I was surprised to see such small caterpillars at this time of year. It seems that this young generation of caterpillars will probably have a hard time, considering that they're at risk of experiencing any overnight frosts in the coming weeks. Sadly, this is part of evolution; only those Monarchs that emerge at the right time of year can migrate and make it to Mexico before winter hits.
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