Danaus plexippus, or the Monarch butterfly, eggs will be available at different times throughout the spring and summer. Monarchs are one of the most well known butterflies in the US. They are fairly easy to raise. You must have plenty of milkweed available! One plant will not typically raise a dozen monarchs.
 
Eggs will typically hatch within three to five days after being laid, so eggs are available for a limited time only. Once the caterpillars hatch, they will need Milkweed leaves and plenty of it for two to three weeks while they grow. They will form their chrysallis and eclose 8-14 days later.
 
***This species can only be shipped and released in AL, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY***
 
Each order is for a dozen eggs that will be shipped in a small container the caterpillars can hatch out in. They will need to be transferred to a larger container with food after hatching. We do not recommend putting leaves in with the unhatched eggs. This could kill the eggs from the gas the plant material gives off. If you have any questions while raising your cecropia, please let us know!