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This image is one of four (4) monarch butterflies that I released into the wild on Thursday, September 17. I raised these monarchs from the larva stage (caterpillar) to the pupa stage (chrysalis) to fully emerged monarch butterfly. It was so amazing to witness the full transformation. The image posted is the first monarch that emerged and it was a female - the other three were male. As a bonus there was a very small caterpillar on the milkweed plant in the "nursery" and has since gone into the pupa stage. I estimate an emerging monarch by next Tuesday, September 28!!!! I must admit that raising and releasing monarch butterflies proved to be a rewarding, educational, and emotional experience and look forward to doing it again next year. I hope those four monarchs are successful in their migration to Mexico.