During the summers in Fire Island, we raise Monarch butterflies.

First, we collect their eggs on the underside of milkweed plants.

Then, we bring them inside, place the leaves in water and watch the eggs become small caterpillars. (They eventually grow to a larger 1-2 inches, as they devour the milkweed leaves.)

Finally, each caterpillar develops into a chrysalis (cocoon).

In a week or so, it emerges as a Monarch butterfly.

At this point, we put it outside on a flower.

Within a few hours, it flies away and eventually reaches Mexico.

The Monarchs are beautiful and I consider them works of art!