Cool! The butterfly looks very similar but the caterpillar is a little paler. But like I said, they can vary a lot depending on their UV exposure.
I had a neat thing happen this morning. I got back from getting my allergy shots and Dad was getting ready to haul all our yard waste to the dump. I looked over at this bromeliad that sits on the edge of my butterfly garden and there was a Monarch hanging off of it! It had just emerged; you can see the empty chrysalis to the left. I pulled all the milkweed out of there, as you guys know, but he was probably already in his chrysalis when I did that. I know I checked the milkweed before I trashed it. And one reason I pulled it when I did was because I didn't have a bunch of caterpillars on it. But this guy was sneaky. It's still a little cool outside, but warming up fast so I imagine he'll take flight soon.
