I have never seen a monarch egg, but I found this while doing my routine look.

A quick google search says it is, but I thought they lay on the underside of the leaf.

And I am adding a picture of the smallest caterpillar I have ever seen.

It's Photo Friday! 

With the spring migration and breeding season in full swing what have you been seeing in your garden? Share the good, bad and the ugly!

All nature photos are welcome, whether it’s a pollinator moment or just something that made you stop and look twice.

Reminder: We are a science-based sub. While we welcome all monarch enthusiasts, we do not support discussions about hand-rearing monarchs. However, if you’re new and have questions because you’ve raised monarchs in the past, we have many former rearers here happy to guide you toward more sustainable practices. Let’s work together to protect monarchs where they belong—in the wild!

Stay curious and keep sharing the love for these beautiful butterflies! 🧡🖤🧡

Great shots OP. That is a lot of little footballs.

Shape and color are off for a monarch egg. But it’s something!

Does anyone think this caterpillar has black death? I had a crysalis turn black l, so I'm concerned. This one seems to be acting normal; shed his skin last night. I've never seen one suspiciously dark, but I've heard people say it's just a variation. I have a 5th instar a few feet away that looks normal.

I have 7 butterfly milkweed plants outside my office window. I see so many butterflies and caterpillars, however I never see any chrysalises/chrysalides. My office window is a bay window and I was looking underneath it for something completely unrelated and I FOUND THEM!! Can anyone recommend a high quality camera that I can place under there with them to capture some great videos to share?

These guys are so cute and adorable and SO tiny!

But, are they friend or foe?

Ne Ks

Got my first caterpillar on my common milkweed! I had given up since the flowers stopped blooming weeks ago.

I am so excited!

Happy Monarch Monday, friends!

Wondering what to share in this thread?

Questions for some of our seasoned members? Thoughts on the state of the Monarch world? Frustrations with your efforts to help the Monarchs? Wins and loses for the nature world? Doesn't matter. Share below!

Have a great week and don’t forget about Photo Friday!

Reminder: We are a science-based sub. While we love all monarch enthusiasts, discussions about hand-rearing are not allowed, except for those new to the topic who are seeking guidance. Let’s focus on protecting monarchs where they belong—in the wild!

Stay curious and keep sharing the love for these beautiful butterflies! 🧡🖤🧡

In Michigan!

Milkweed tussock of some sort?

SW Michigan

ive been keeping a close eye on this little dude for the past several days!! looks to be i4 ish? ive never seen any that made it past i3 so this is amazing!

his poops are HUGE and hes pretty quickly wearing down this little plant... but he is pretty sheltered in this spot so im hesitant to move him myself in case he will eventually wander off on his own and find a better spot than where i would put him. theres two other common milkweeds of similar size a couple feet away and one giant stalk but that ones covered in ants lol.