this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2024
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https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/what-is-this-bug/monarch-caterpillar/

It's that time of year again, when the kids (and myself) get overly invested in the lifecycle of these grubs. Last year we managed maybe a 10% success rate (from egg to butterfly) hopefully we'll do better this time round.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

So today I saw a Monach butterfly looking thing, but it was only about 1cm long. I'm under the impression butterflies come out of the chrysalis the size that they stay. Anyone know what I might have seen?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

Hmm, maybe, but the sizes don't seem right. I'd guess maybe the painted lady, but it was very small, not near 5cm. I'd guess 1cm high and 2cm wide as a maximum. These state maximum sizes, maybe I just saw a smaller one?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

It might have been! Unfortunately I didn't get long enough of a look, and definitely not enough time for a photo.