Interesting scene in the garden today!

11 years ago

I released about 10 monarchs this morning and one caught the, er, romantic eye of a passing male. Unfortunately, the object of his desire was also male. Luckily we live in Massachusetts so if they want to get married, they can! :-)

if you look closely you can see that he is clearly trying his best to make this work...

{{gwi:507403}}

Ok, maybe we'll just cuddle...

{{gwi:507404}}

I am putting a "cute" spin on it, but really, the bottom one was not happy and since he had just been released he probably wasn't strong enough to fend off his "admirer". I knew that male monarchs are forceful in their mating, but this was really something to see. I hope the new one is ok... he was hanging on a branch afterward, looking slightly stunned at the whole turn of events....

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Comments (3)

Tony G
11 years ago
I've recently released several males and they've ALL decided to stay around the yard. One day I put a couple newbies out and they were instantly attacked, but held on for dear life until they could fly. From now on, I'm not putting the males out until they are flight ready.

I think they must be having at least SOME fun since they stay in the yard for most of the day. I actually see some of them nectaring together now so they have learned how to be tolerant...until the next female arrives.

Great pictures by the way! Tony
sitali301
Original Author
11 years ago
He actually was flying away after I released him when the other male forced him to the ground! I had read about monarch mating "rituals" but had never seen it! Fascinating, but I felt badly for the poor unsuspecting newbie!
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seedmoney
11 years ago
Oh my... a "Dear Abby" column for sure ;-)