March 14 2022, was Butterfly day, formerly named National Learn About Butterflies Day.
One butterfly that I’ve come to know is the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The monarchs are considered native to New Zealand because they became established here independently.
The swan plant is the main food for Monarchs. My neighbour had two of those swan plants which attracted monarch butterflies. And I enjoyed watching the butterfly grow though I was shocked at first.
I returned from my summer trip (watch the vlog here) to my neighbour’s plant swamped with caterpillars. At the time, I didn’t know what the plant was. Seeing those caterpillars got me concerned because my beautiful garden was just beginning to bloom and yield fruits. I wouldn’t want it to be attacked.
Coincidentally, my neighbour arrived while I was just entering attach mode. So, what did I do? I called his attention to the “infestation”. To my surprise, he told me it was nothing to worry about since the caterpillars won’t attack my plants.
Easy for you to say, bro!!! Let’s see what google says about that.
I did a quick google search. Lo! It was true. Google said the same thing my neighbour told me.
Well, I don’t trust you nor google, I thought.
So I kept a close eye, and yes, I can tell you today that the monarch caterpillars didn’t attack my plants.
I have been recording their growth. Hope you enjoy the video. Watch life from birth to maturity. The life cycle of a butterfly.
