I have a monarch hatched today indoors (it has not yet flown) and am concerned about releasing it out into heavy and rain and cool temps. Have read that rain heavy rain could jeopardise a monarch. What should I do. I have darkened the room so is not active. Help
Hello BOPS, you have done the right thing - keep it cool and dark and it will think that the weather isn't right to be "out there".
Thanks very much for your response Jacqui, I am totally new to monarchs so appreciate the response.
How long can I keep it in this inactive state?????
I am in the Bay of Plenty and the weather forecast is unusually rough for some days. Thinking of offering nectar (honey disolved in water) in a couple of days before release.
Cheers
PS I have a number of caterpillars inside as the wasps were taking them all off my plants.
Hi bops,
They will last for ages. You could offer nectar if you like, but if the butterfly is kept in darkened conditions it will be fine without for a while. The butterflies are remarkably resilient though bops, and would probably be fine outdoors especially if you put it in a sheltered spot perhaps underneath some overhanging leaves. Good luck with your caterpillars too - it sounds to me like you are doing remarkable well!
The sun is out and I have just released him - wow what a good feeling. Now I just have to care for my box of caterpillars and get them to that stage.
hi all
I am down in Dunedin where it is extremely wet and horrible today! Yesterday the first of our Monarchs hatched out.... but as it was drizzly and cold I didn't release him/her. The weather here is forecast to be horrid for at least the next few days. What is the best way to care for our butterfly? As it is quite cool it seems fairly content to "hang" on a swan plant at the moment. Should I pop it in a box and keep it dark as "bops" did? And if yes, how long is it okay to do this for? We have 6 plants in our conservatory at the moment, with 4 more butterflies yet to emerge from their chrysalis and another 3 caterpillars in varying sizes. Thanks!
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