Have you ever seen caterpillars munching away on a milkweed plant and wondered what they were? They are the larva of the beautiful Monarch butterfly! Milkweed plants are the host plant of the Monarchs. This is the only type of plant from which their caterpillars can eat so the adult Monarchs will seek out these plants for laying their eggs.
Monarch butterflies are beautiful throughout their entire life cycle. I’m sure you noticed how pretty the striped caterpillars are. After they are done eating they will leave the milkweed plant and look for a safe place to change into a chrysalis. The Monarch chrysalis is absolutely beautiful. It is a jade green with shiny gold dots on it. Of course the butterfly is stunning as well.
When you find these caterpillars, you can bring them inside to watch the incredible metamorphosis. Just keep providing the little caterpillars with fresh milkweed and soon you will witness their transformation into a beautiful butterfly.