January Monarchs

by D. Hess
(Irvine CA)

I live in So. California, not that far the ocean. I have 6 monarchs that are in the caterpillar stage. I am AMAZED as we have had more than 10 inches of rain since Dec.-any hope that they will survive? They have enough milkweed, and are in the protection of a Japanese pine tree. We rarely see frost or anything close to 32 degrees here. I'm guessing they might. Is this really unusual?

Karen says:

I would think as long as they have food and protection they would be OK. I know that when the weather cools it slows down the whole metamorphosis process and freezing temps can kill the monarchs. Let us know what happens.