When will the Monarch’s be back and laying eggs?

One of the most frequent questions we get at the Nature Center is “When will we see Monarchs again?” Today, we will answer that question in the classic nature fashion of guesstimates. When monarchs migrate to Mexico in the fall, the butterflies that make it are a super generation that will live up to eight Read More »

Read More

Monarch caterpillar instars

first instar monarch caterpillar

After hatching from an egg, monarch caterpillars live about 10-14 days. (Read about the monarch butterfly life cycle here) However, a lot happens in that time. The larval stage of a monarch is called a caterpillar. When the caterpillar first hatches, it is 2-6 mm long. As it grows, it molts — sheds its skin Read More »

Read More

Personalized paper caterpillar craft

caterpillar name craft

From microscopic egg to tiny larva to chubby caterpillar to gold-flecked chrysalis to adult monarch butterfly — the majestic monarch’s life cycle is something to behold, especially up close. In honor of part of that amazing metamorphosis, try out this fun caterpillar craft that shows just how much you love pollinators too. (Read about incomplete Read More »

Read More

Make your own caterpillar finger puppet

caterpillar finger puppet

Finger puppets are an incredibly easy craft to make at home, because they need hardly any supplies but create hours — let’s be honest here, minutes — of fun. We’ve made a bee finger puppet on our blog before, and you can download the template on our Five Bee Myths and Truths page, but this Read More »

Read More