Ladybug in Mum
Caterpillar Eating Milkweed
Insects in the Garden
Author: NLS
Monarch Butterfly Emerged!
The Monarch butterfly remained in the courtyard until nearly 6:00 pm. The last sighting, it was in the top of the Mimosa. Earlier in the day a Monarch butterfly flew through the courtyard. Hope that they found each other and will continue on their journey together.
The chrysalis was attached to a leaf of a potted Brugmansia. I broke off the leaf to get a better look at the empty chrysalis.
When I was looking at the numerous spider mites, I also noticed a clear caterpillar with a dark head. Altered the image to see the detail a bit more.
I am surprised that any of my photos are in focus. Had my eyes dilated during my eye exam yesterday morning.
If it is a Monarch in the early stages, it will be hungry. I placed the Brug leaf in a plastic shoe box with fresh cut milkweed leaves for a snack.
The Brugmansia is infested with spider mites. Waiting to give the Brug systemic until the Monarchs are gone. There are 5 additional Monarch caterpillars that have gone missing. Not all will successfully become a chrysalis and transform to become a lovely butterfly. That is one of the reasons why it was so important to see the butterfly emerge.
When I am certain they are gone, I will remove all of the leaves, and maybe cut it back as well, before giving it systemic.
Monarch Chrysalis Update
Several articles stated that Monarchs typically emerge from their chrysalis in 10-14 days. The chrysalis was formed on September 26, 2017.
Patiently waiting…
Monarch Caterpillar, Morning, September 26, 2017
Monarch Caterpillar as Chrysalis, 4 hours later, September 26, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Morning, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Morning, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 1:30, October 12, 2017
Orange on wings can now be seen.
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 2:10, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 2:30, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 2:45, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 3:00, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 3:30, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 4:30, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 4:30, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 5:00, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 5:00, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Afternoon 5:00, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Evening 6:00, October 12, 2017
Monarch Chrysalis, Evening 6:00, October 12, 2017
Unfortunately it has been a bit windy and the chrysalis bobs about. Definitely difficult to take a clear image with the iPad.
It does not appear the butterfly will emerge today.
Amazingly Beautiful Naturally Occurring Bronze Patina
Now I know how to achieve gorgeous textural surfaces on bronze. You must submerge the piece in the ocean for centuries!
When I saw the images of the bronze arm found during the archaeological expedition of the Antikythera Shipwreck, it reminded me of my research to create thick textural surfaces on bronze.
Antikythera Shipwreck Expedition, Detail of the Hand
I buried my bronze pieces with sodium mixtures and chemicals. I applied chemicals to my pieces and then set them on fire. I saturated burlap with chemicals, wrapped it around my pieces, then enclosed work in a plastic container. I applied low-fire ceramic glazes to bronze pieces and then fired them. And I did a combination.
This is a detail of a little bronze bowl that was bound with wire.
I applied Egyptian paste, low-fire glazes, and the lot was fired hot enough for
paste and glaze to mature, but not hot enough for the bronze and steel wire to become molten.
Egyptian paste is a self-glazing clay body. I have used it in a variety of ways, even as a self-glazing spackle when something needs to be filled.
Hardware cloth formed into a vessel and held in place with nails. Egyptian paste was applied and the lot was fired. The pink color is the result of the addition of red iron oxide added to the paste dry batch.
Post of Eroded Contours
My series that combined ceramic and bronze processes.
Antikythera Shipwreck Excavation
It appears that the Antikythera Shipwreck excavation photos I used in my post were taken by Brett Seymour/EUA/ARGO.
Found: A Giant Bronze Arm From the Antikythera Shipwreck
Antikythera shipwreck yields statue pieces and mystery bronze disc
Greece Ministry of Culture and Sports
Caterpillar, Milkweed Pod, Seed
Monarch Caterpillar Eating Milkweed Pod
September 23, 2017
Milkweed Pod
September 29, 2017
Chrysalis Updates
Chrysalis, Windy Morning September 29, 2017
Even though the image is not in focus, it is interesting to see the chrysalis from a different perspective.
Chrysalis, Another Windy Morning September 30, 2017
Chrysalis, Monday Morning October 9, 2017, and Unfortunately Spider Mites
More Monarch Caterpillars
A Nice Surprise–Monarch Caterpillar
Today I located the missing Monarch caterpillar. It is attached to one of my Brugmansia and is in the process of changing.
Four Hours Later–
The Monarch caterpillar traveled from the milkweed
(blue arrow pointing to it) to the Brugmansia in the pot (yellow arrow).
The Next Day, September 27, 2017
Chrysalis September 28, 2017
More Ants…
Volunteer Datura
Volunteer Datura August 25, 2017
Volunteer Datura August 25, 2017
Volunteer Datura August 28, 2017
Volunteer Datura September 4, 2017
Volunteer Datura September 10, 2017
Volunteer Datura Pods September 24, 2017
Volunteer Datura Pod Detail
September 24, 2017
Volunteer Datura After Pod Removal
September 24, 2017
Volunteers with Ants
Volunteer Hibiscus with Ants
Volunteer Sunflower with Ants
Volunteer Datura with Ants