Blog - Monarch Butterfly USA

Cremaster
Cremaster

Cremaster

The CREMASTER is the little stem-like appendage that reaches out from under the crumpled skin to connect with the silk button. It holds the chrysalis safely through wind and rainstorms, performing an amazing [...]

The Silk Makers
The Silk Makers

The Silk Makers

Can you make a Silk Button? Of course not … you’re a human being, NOT a caterpillar! But other insects use strands of silk to build their webs and cocoons. Silkworms [...]

Caterpillars Hard at Work
Caterpillars Hard at Work

Caterpillars Hard at Work

PHOTOS (left to right): (top row) both images Holli Webb Hearn, (second row) Jody Payne and Edith Smith – Butterfly Fun Facts, (third row) [...]

Silk Button and Cremaster – Amazing Closeup
Silk Button and Cremaster – Amazing Closeup

Silk Button and Cremaster – Amazing Closeup

Face Mask
Face Mask

Face Mask

After wiggling out of its old skin, the caterpillar then rubs off its FACE MASK. Even the face mask has become too small. The most amazing part is when the caterpillar turns [...]

Raising Monarchs
Raising Monarchs

Raising Monarchs

“Plant MILKWEED ~ and they will come!” Raising monarchs take LOTS of love, LOTS of dedication…and LOTS OF MILKWEED! PHOTO: Regina Ray PHOTO: Steven Munafo via Monarch [...]

Meet Stretch – The Munching Machine Caterpillar!
Meet Stretch – The Munching Machine Caterpillar!

Meet Stretch – The Munching Machine Caterpillar!

Snakeskin
Snakeskin

Snakeskin

Do you shed your skin? You might say, “Of course not. I’m NOT a caterpillar, I’m a human being,” – but think again. Humans DO shed their skin every day as dry [...]

Rare Black & White Monarch Caterpillar
Rare Black & White Monarch Caterpillar

Rare Black & White Monarch Caterpillar

This is a very RARE Black and White caterpillar, posted graciously to Facebook by Heidi Aviles Nieves ~ Thank you for Sharing! As you can see, the adult monarch reverts to normal coloration. [...]