Monarch caterpillar. On Sept. 2nd we found a big fat Monarch caterpillar. We put it in large jar with some fresh milkweed. By the next morning it had already formed a chrysalis. 13 days later we hatched a new Monarch butterfly and photographed the event. (See photos below). Over the years we have been spreading more and more milkweed seeds and it has paid off. Yesterday I counted at least 15 very fresh looking Monarchs in a short 5 minute hike around our place. I have also posted a short video of this Monarch on my (Gary Erickson) facebook page.