A female monarch butterfly spent a great deal of time laying eggs on my giant milkweed this afternoon. Did you know there are more than 100 species of milkweed across North America?

According to the University of Florida extension office, monarch butterflies in southern Florida will remain here, due to the vast array of its host plants, as well as the warm temperatures. It is said they will breed year round.

The eggs are 1.2 mm high and .09 mm high, according to Monarch Watch. It is said although not certain, a female can lay anywhere from 100 to 300 eggs during her life span. The eggs she just laid should hatch in about four days.

The caterpillar will go through five instars during its 10 to 14 day lifespan. Monarch Watch said the caterpillar is about 2 to 6 mm in length during the first instar; 6 to 9 mm during the second instar; 10 to 14 mm in the third instar, 13 to 25 mm in the fourth instar and 25-45 mm during the final instar. Good thing she laid her egg on the giant milkweed.