Tuesday, September 10, 2013

There's a new kid in town . . .


Yep,

While I was away in Chicago, my sweet daughter (who does not like critters of any kind...at all) tended to almost 40 caterpillars and released over 20 butterflies! And then when I got back, it wasn't long before I was releasing the ones that pupated while I was gone. Then I sat back and waited, and waited, and checked my milkweed . . . and nada. No eggs, no babies! It's been a month since I've been back and only last week did I spy come cats on my milkweed, but only 5? So unusual with a release of that many to only find a handful, but honestly, there were very few females in that whole lot!

But, we have had an influx of mosquitoes like no body's business. Seriously, it's just so bad. The worst I've seen it ever since moving here to the humidity capitol of the world. We hadn't even had much rain? So, about a week went by that I didn't check the plants. Sheesh, I couldn't even go out and water them with out getting attacked and coming back in looking like I had been in battle, and that was in  long pants, and a hoodie sweatshirt, with the drawstring pulled, lol! Did I mention our feel like temps have still been near or over 100.

{ KK violet}

So, doused with chemicals, I have been going out to check the plants more often and (look above) what I found! Do you notice anything different about that caterpillar? Sorta looks like a Monarch at first glance, but it's not. Right away I noticed that this caterpillar has three sets of tubercles (antennae) which means it's a Queen Butterfly. Their markings in the first instars are also slightly different than that of the Monarch, but probably not enough for most to notice. As of yesterday, I now have 15 queen cat babies safely tucked in my dining room.

I have to say that those darn skeeters are really cramping my morning coffee time on my front porch, and my roaming the garden with my camera. I can't spray any fog because of all my milkweed plants  . . . I know this all too well from previous experience. It is instant death to any caterpillar. I should note, that they have sprayed our neighborhood like three times in almost a week, but to no avail they just keep on keepin' on.

I was able to grin a bear it for a few minutes this morning to snap some of the dozens of bees that are loving my wild morning glory, which by the way is sooo very run a muck in my garden right now. I swear this stuff grows like 2 feet per day!


{KK peony}

And, while checking the milkweed, I found this pretty little moth hiding.


{KK Minus 43}

And then much to my surprise, this morning at the wee hour of 3 0'clock, I found this fellow in my bathroom!
I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to safely capture this little guy as they are lighting fast jumpers. He made it a little easier though jumping from the base board to the wall and that's when I won the draw and got a plastic take out bowl over him (and the lid I might add, a bit tricky too). Poked a few holes in the lid, and he waited for me on the kitchen counter til daylight. I wasn't about to let him out in the dark because hard telling what might come in through that door! haha  I was able to get the lid off and him in my hand, but as soon as I took the bowl off, he didn't wait for goodbyes, and bam a six foot jump landed him here.

He did tolerate, for about two seconds, my getting right back in his face for this mugshot though. Isn't he just the cutest? I kind of wonder how long he has been in the house. They can be loud.

{KK Kristen}

So add kermit to the list of out door that has made it inside....along with geckos, green anole lizards and a snake! Yeah, I'll share the snake story another time, haha

Have a great rest of the day,
I'll be decorating 270 football lockers tonight along with some other ladies...and bringing fabreze!
(It's homecoming week)

Love, Kim



22 comments:

Roxi H said...

LOL Love all your critters! Especially the bee shot. I'm anxious to see what a Queen looks like. Have fun at the game!

Brandi said...

Such awesome shots!! I am enthralled by your caterpillar adventures! How fun!

Barb said...

It's so fascinating to read about your caterpillars, and that frog is precious!! I didn't know they could leap like that... hmmmm leap frog... I guess I should have known :)

Kim Cunningham said...

I just always smile at all the critters you have around. They must mark the fence like the hobos of the 1940s used to. The frog is so so cute. All we ever see are toads, which we still love, but a frog would be delightful. So excited for your queen!

Tamar SB said...

You're amazing! Love the little frog - so cute! Hope the infestation goes away and stays away!

Dotti said...

So happy to see you 'back in the saddle', Kim! And happy with you that your cats are back and I hope they stay healthy and prosperous.

Silvina Soave said...

Una belleza esta serie de imágenes!!
un abrazo grande.

Kmcblackburn said...

Okay even "I" think that frog (?) is a cutie :)

betty-NZ said...

The adorable frog seems a nice diversion from the mossies (that's Kiwi for mosquitoes--they abbreviate everything here!)

Kathryn Dyche said...

Jeez girl, you've got it all going on. I thought the mosi's were bad here but sounds like they're even worse with you. You're like the butterfly queen, love your love of them, your enthusiasm just shines through. Good luck with those lockers sounds worse than dealing with critters. :0)

Patrice said...

Sweet lil critters!

Unknown said...

I never knew anything about a Queen Monarch so of course being the Google geek I am, had to go investigate...holy beautiful butterflies. I'm glad I saw that you showed this cause if I EVER saw a critter with three antennae i'd be like..whoa...defective! That frog is adorable.

Michelle said...

I'm intrigued and scared for the snake story, ha! Kermit is a cutie :)

Nancy said...

Ugh mosquitoes. It's been too dry for them here. Thank goodness.

Love that little frog. Sweet!

Chubby Chieque said...

Hello Kim,

*giggle...

It's been awhile seeing Kermit since we sold our summer house.

Thanks for sharing and made me smile today.

Happy Wednesday.
/CC girl

Anonymous said...

Really enjoyed your photos and the stories about each. Sounds very interesting at your place.

Anita Johnson said...

Your finds are wonderful. We haven't seen any tree frogs this year, maybe a result of the drought last year? Happy Homecoming, I miss those days!

Barbara said...

you are just a wealth of info on all of this, you are one interesting gal Kim. Love all the close ups of your queen and oh my that frog is sure cute.

Inspired By June said...

All very fun, Kim! Thanks for the smiles :)

EarlK said...

Wonderful! I really enjoy your stories.

Earl

Ida said...

Wow this was such a great post. Such beautiful pictures and interesting reading. I love frogs so that of course just caught my eye right away. So cool about your caterpillars.

Saida Cane said...

amazing captures!

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