Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Look what I found!!!

A couple of weeks ago I was watering some plants and found this Monarch cocoon. This is the first I have seen. I was wondering what happened to all those caterpillars I had. They are just cleverly concealed and hopefully scattered all across my gardens. It looks so different than the swallow tail cocoon. Notice it's intricate little golden necklace. The cocoon is a minty green and smooth walled. This second picture was taken a day or two ago. Notice how it's getting darker and the necklace isn't quite as noticeable.
I just took this picture today. It's gotten even darker and notice the little gold dots. I'd say it won't be long till this little guy takes a peak at the gardening world.

15 comments:

Becky said...

OH my goodness, that little guy will be coming out of hibernation before long. Can't wait to see it!

flydragon said...

Isn't that amazing how it changes colors like that! So glad you took these photos. Looking forward to the next changes.

Susie said...

Becky and flydragon-I just hope I'm able to catch it when it opens. flydragon-I like the gold dots on it. Nature amazes me.

marmee said...

that is still so amazing.
i just love the creation of life.
make sure you show us the rest.
i love the little golden necklace.

Unknown said...

Oh wow, how wonderful to see the stages. Eagerly waiting for your next post Susie!

Unknown said...

I love those surprises in the garden. Keep us posted on the arrival.

Susie said...

Kanak and Darla-I'll definitely try to keep following this little guy along.

Meadowview Thymes said...

I found one of these before our trip, and by the time we got home it had emerged. Yesterday I saw a monarch fly by--I just know that had to be her! :)

Anonymous said...

Soon you will have a new Monarch Butterfly emerging into the world. What a pretty little cocoon he/she made. I've never seen one like that.

Susie said...

Meadowview-I bet it was your baby visiting your yard.

Racquel-I have never seen one like this before either. I hope I catch it before it leaves.

Rose said...

Hi, Susie; I've seen your comments left on Beckie's blog quite often and thought I'd drop in for a visit. I've never seen a monarch cocoon before; it looks like a jewel! We didn't see many monarchs in central Illinois this year, which really disappointed me. Glad to know they have found a home with you.

Susie said...

Hi Rose, I have seen a few flying around at work. Hopefully I'll be seeing at least one more soon.

beckie said...

Susie, aren't they beautiful? Somewhere in blog land Isaw that someone was making necklace pendants like thses-right down to the tiny gold dots. I hope ypu get to see it emerge.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am quite envious! I keep looking for cocoons, but haven't found one yet. Maybe next year.

Susie said...

Beckie-Isn't little gold necklace just precious. I like the little gold dots at the bottom as well. I just checked on it and it still looks the same.

Robin-I felt lucky to have found this one. I was watering my rose one day and noticed the caterpillar hanging there in limbo so sure enough he was doing his thing.