Triple front yard butterfly sighting

For the past few weeks, many butterflies have been swarming the Austin area. This morning, I spotted three different beauties. Seeing them usually stops me in my tracks.

Monarch caterpillars munch

This monarch caterpillar might be preparing for a transformation on a Gregg's mist flower plant.

Monarchs don't always survive long

Some monarchs don't survive the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. This one was unable to shed the chrysalis from its right fore wing and could not fly.

First monarch butterfly

The first monarch I've seen begins its life as an adult! While watering the garden, I noticed a flash of orange at the base of a broccoli plant.

Monarch chrysalis saved

I found this mostly formed chrysalis on the front door railing. I wasn't sure if it would make it, but I couldn't leave her so exposed. 

Soldier bug attacks monarch caterpillar

What appears to be a Spined Soldier Bug nymph, a type of stink bug, sucks the juices out of a monarch caterpillar. I crushed the predator, but it was already too late for the butterfly larva.

Monarchs in the yard

This was the first year I planted milkweed in the yard. It didn't take long for monarch caterpillars to appear. The beautiful monarch caterpillars are quickly gaining size as they eat the milkweed.