Egg laying observed and the caterpillars get a new home

My personal garden is very small, but completely dedicated to wildlife; mainly butterflies and birds. These two do come into conflict, mainly the birds preying upon the entire life cycle of the butterfly. While I strive not to interfere, I confess I did this season on behalf of the Monarch Butterfly. When I saw a female actually laying eggs on my common milkweed, I made the decision to research the species and see what I could do to help. I explored my milkweed and discovered I already had one tiny caterpillar. I cut the leaf and put it in an observation container. (I did this last year also with just one cat, with a successful release!). When an Internet friend asked if I was going to raise them, I thought why not? So, I took 10 caterpillars as I have 10 milkweed plants. These 10, I have been told, are the generation that will migrate all the way from my home in Virginia Beach, VA to Mexico! I am excited to be making these observations and am praying for a successful outcome.

Egg laying by female

I discovered the caterpillars.

I measured them.

I gave them a temporary new home.