Hello from southeast Michigan!

[Crystal5937]

Hiya,

A little about us: We are a family of 6. My 7 and 12 year old children are increasingly interested in raising mantids. We have decided on 6 being our max number. Starting in spring we raise to release many species of moth and butterflies. Our season has come to its end, with only 3 monarch chrysalis left to release, a hospice tank of monarchs that have been damaged in the wild, and many of our cocoons and other species of butterflies going to diapause for a spring breeding/and release. We would like to bring other fun insects into the house. We raise moth/butterflies for conservation of the species, this season raising 112 monarchs, and many others, we are monarch waystation #11105. I am also a kids science club speaker, and presenter. Just for education/volunteer, none of this is a job, but a fun hobby that educates others and my own kids.

Thank you for admitting me into your group, thank you to Karen for inviting me, and hope I can learn even more on species and husbandry. I have been reading all of the care sheets, and the pictures people take are amazing. Eventually I may even figure out how to add pics. Ha!

 

[lilwo]

That's great and welcome to the forum

 

[CosbyArt]

Hello Crystal welcome to the forum

Sounds like you have a hobby that keeps you busy most of the year. It's awesome that you participate in the Monarch program, is this the one you are involved in?

There were several monarchs that fed off milkweed in my back and side yards this year, and I saw several caterpillars too. First time I seen any of their caterpillars in many years, then again first time I've looked that closely too for years (I was catching mantids in the ivy nearby).

 

[Rick]

Welcome

 

[Crystal5937]

Hello Crystal welcome to the forum

Sounds like you have a hobby that keeps you busy most of the year. It's awesome that you participate in the Monarch program, is this the one you are involved in?

Yes . Monarch watch is great!! We participate in others, but our registration is through them. That's great you grow milkweed. Thank you

 

[MantisMatt14]

Welcome! Moth rearing is very fun!

 

[Crystal5937]

They are very fun! The cecropia were one of my favorite this season. But , they can really shred a lilac bush. At 5th instar they were as large as a mans thumb in girth, and stretched to almost 8 inches. I do love moth rearing.

 

[CosbyArt]

Yes . Monarch watch is great!! We participate in others, but our registration is through them. That's great you grow milkweed. Thank you

Nice, I figured it was that one as it seems to be the main one. Thanks, originally it was allowed to grow so I could collect mantid feeders (I also got a new one I am culturing for my mantids too), but we did enjoy many butterflies and other insects this year too.

My mom is throwing a real fit about the "overgrown shabby looking" area by the car port - I figured it can't be too bad as the city never complained to have us cut it, and heck even my mom collected some flowers from the ivy and plants lol.

 

[Fredstrong]

Welcome!

 

[dmina]

from Michigan!

 

[MarissaK]

Hi Crystal. I actually grew up in Wyandotte. I saw your title of southeast michigan and wondered if you happened to be from my area. I used to live on 15th street off of eureka going toward Riverview. Small world eh.

 

[Crystal5937]

Hi Crystal. I actually grew up in Wyandotte. I saw your title of southeast michigan and wondered if you happened to be from my area. I used to live on 15th street off of eureka going toward Riverview. Small world eh.

I actually live off of 10th , on mollno street in Wyandotte . Close to Pulaski park. Small world indeed. Are you still in the area??