Fly little Monarch

Matt found another cocoon a few days ago and brought it home. We weren't sure a butterfly would actually hatch thinking the season for them must be over by now.

When we came home today, however, the cocoon was gone and nowhere to be found! A good search finally showed this beautiful specimen of a Monarch Butterfly hiding at the bottom of an old cardboard box.

Unfortunately it looks like this little fella isn't going to make it :-( something has been chewing on him, probably ants or spiders... tonight he can rest on the cape gooseberry plant. We'll see how he is tomorrow...