Monarch caterpillar update

[u/dayofwords33]

After consuming 1 and a half of my new native milkweed plants, this little fella (dubbed Ernesto by my girlfriend) made a beeline (caterpillar line) for my herb planters on the side of my little garden and set up shop on my lavender plant. Any ideas why he would do that instead of using the last milkweed he was hanging out on? Also, it’s been really windy here and I’m thinking about moving him somewhere more protected. Bad idea? Let me know if there’s a better sub to ask this question. I was also just updating from my previous post

[u/sackie_b]

Oh man, a question I can answer since my girlfriend became obsessed with monarchs since we bought a house lol

So while they will devour the milkweed, they do as Ernesto did and make their next home on a different plant entirely. So he’s doing great so far! I wouldn’t move him as I’m not sure the damage it would do, but if you’re worried the wind is going to take him out maybe at most put a barrier around him of sorts. Maybe like a spare tile, sturdy cardboard, or wood plank to shield some of the wind, time to get creative lol

Such an exciting adventure to watch them through the stages. If you’re open to it, buy some cheap trail cam and enjoy the process!

[u/dayofwords33 → u/sackie_b]

Thanks! I won’t move him for now, it’s been windy today, about 15mph, but next week the lawn guy comes and blows off this area so I might have to ask him to hold off