16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar

Earlier this year, I recieved a few Milkweed seeds from a local insectarium. I really wanted to help Monarch butterflies out a bit. After planting and a couple months of growth, I stumbled upon a total of thirteen caterpillars nibbling away at the leaves, until only stalks of green were left. This photo shows one of the 2 week old caterpillars.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2018
Date Uploaded: 10.2018
Photo Location: MapleShade, New Jersey, United States of America
Camera: SAMSUNG-SM-G920A
Copyright: © Emma Applegate