Category Archives: Hellstrip Gardening

Green Life, Black Death

Over the past week, I have seen lots of changes. I spotted another caterpillar out front. The two outdoor caterpillars seemed vivacious. I feel that they were more lively than their indoor friends. It makes me wonder if I am doing a disservice to the indoor caterpillars. Although the indoor caterpillars have their needs met,Continue reading “Green Life, Black Death”

Three Indoors, Two Outdoors

The smallest caterpillar just completed a molt. This period between molts is called an instar.  The medium caterpillar is eating milkweed and gaining size. The largest caterpillar has become plump.  I think that she may pupate soon! Outdoors, the curled caterpillar became a chrysalis.  He is hanging beneath a milkweed leaf on the Hellstrip. And,Continue reading “Three Indoors, Two Outdoors”

A New Hope

This has been a bad year for Monarchs. They have been officially declared as “endangered“. I have seen the numbers dwindle. So far, I have only had one successful butterfly eclose. I was feeling disheartened about the decline in population. However, today was a day full of joy and hope. I spotted a small caterpillarContinue reading “A New Hope”

Spicebush Sorrow Tale

I check the Spicebush leaves for signs of Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars. These caterpillars are builders! They fold over leaves and bind them with silk. This year, I spotted two Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars. Last year, I brought caterpillars indoors and enjoyed watching their transformation. They start off as a brownish color. Then, they grow much largerContinue reading “Spicebush Sorrow Tale”

First Monarch Eclose

On July 30th, I found this nice large caterpillar on our milkweed. By August 3rd, the caterpillar formed her chrysalis. Amazingly, on August 10th, I was greeted by the flutter of wings! So quick! We took the butterfly outside, but she was not ready to fly. On the following day, she was eager to beContinue reading “First Monarch Eclose”

Primrose Moths

Primrose caterpillars are born from eggs laid on Primrose flowers. They feast upon their golden cradles and travel down the stalks to burrow below to the roots of the flower. Primrose Moths spend most of their lives dormant. They lay waiting throughout the autumn, winter, spring, and early summer. But for one brief time, theyContinue reading “Primrose Moths”

First Monarch Caterpillars of 2022

July 23rd – first Monarch caterpillar of the year! It is always exciting to find one of these elusive beauties, but the first one is something special . I handed this treasure over to my 9 year old next door neighbor. I provided her with a mesh enclosure and lots of direction. She participated inContinue reading “First Monarch Caterpillars of 2022”

Pretty in Pink

I spotted two Rosy Maple Moths taking shelter inside the petals of the tall primrose. I wonder if their choice of respite is a form of camouflage. The pink buds of the primrose resemble the blush colored hue of the moths. Curled up inside the flowers, I almost overlooked them – they were well hiddenContinue reading “Pretty in Pink”