More about Monarchs

I’m still here, but feeling a bit reclusive instead of outgoing. I am engaged in life but in a quieter way and I just accept this current cycle.  On the bright side, I saved a butterfly’s life!!!  And, I was rewarded with the creature staying on my finger for at least an hour and  on a backyard plant till the next day as it gathered strength.

It was the cocoon on the underside of a

clay fountain(see photo to right).  When the shell split open the weak and wobbly butterfly fell straight to the ground and was tangled in wet wings, off-balance, and needing help.  It crawled onto my finger and I delicately untangled its wings.
(FYI there are four parts to a Monarch butterfly’s wings, two larger top portions and two half-size bottom  portions).  And one side of the wings of this newly birthed butterfly was reversed and they, the wings,  soft and pliable, were stuck together.

Well, I unstuck them and I let the butterfly dangle on my finger while the wings dried and the insect became stronger.  The wings have to hang down to unfurl and let the air circulate.  Under normal circumstances I estimate it takes about two hours.
(Another FYI:  The body is hairy, soft black velvety looking hairs, and there are lots of polka dots all over the head area, and on the wings.  Also, a Monarch butterfly has four legs, each jointed at the knees (or whatever the joints are called) and there’s a prickly “toe” on the end of each leg perfect for clinging hold of something.

All total, I think that there were 18 butterflies that birthed in my backyard this summer.  Butterfly moments have come to represent larger-than-life themes in my mind: awe, nature, the spirit of humanity, survival, beauty, refreshment to the soul, patience, the present moment.

Enjoy!