Here in Madison, WI, its too late for monarch eggs to hatch out and complete the cycle to adult butterfly. I might see a few adult monarchs flying through the neighborhood, headed south. If a female monarch were to show up and begin laying eggs-we still have milkweed-then it would be an example of mother nature making a mistake. Monarch caterpillars need daytime temps above 70 degrees F, and night time temps above 50 degrees F, to develop. Optimum temperature for monarch caterpillar development is around 81 degrees F.

monarchs are heartier than you might think. I put four out in the garden today and there were another two already out here nectaring. it is low 70's and calm today. I am cherishing every last day like this...not many left.

monarchs can survive in much colder temps than 50 F but they won't be able to fly.

I still have four cats left and my last butterfly will eclose sometime in early October. I may have to keep him in the porch on potted milkweed until there's a day with lukewarm sunshine, but there shouldn't be any problem getting out of here.

On your next nice day keep an eye out for stragglers...I bet there's still a few around. Tony