Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo

This summer was not great for Monarch caterpillars. I was starting to get concerned when I realised my Swan Plants were not being devoured by caterpillars. We still had monarch butterflies but very few caterpillars. I also saw a paper wasp grab a caterpillar. So, I’m very pleased at the number of monarchs I now have. I’d estimate there are about 10 on this plant alone. And lots of seed pods. I’ve never had seed pods develop on my swam plants – as they normally never get the chance to get that well developed. Needless to say, I’ll be collecting some of the seed and propagating my own plants this spring, so I’m ready for a new season. Monarchs in general are in trouble, so to save them, we need to do our bit. I’ll also be getting a caterpillar castle see – https://www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/product/caterpillar-castles/ so the caterpillars are protected next year. Fortunately I’m not seeing the paper wasps so much now.