Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly may been seen throught the garden feeding on the nectar of a wide variety of flowering plants.  It may also be found in association with Milkweeds where the females may be observed laying eggs.  The Monarch caterpillar is able to avoid the effects of the toxic alkaloids found in the "milk" of its host plant but those same alkaloids provide some protection from predators who find the caterpillars distasteful.  The bold black and yellow colors of the caterpillar are to warn the predators to avoid this potential food source. The chrysalis is green with golden spots along the top rim. Photos by Laurel Woodley