This morning I waited for a while to watch this male monarch butterfly emerge. I worked in the butterfly house, cleaning it, putting more fresh food, so I can see him emerge. Of course, I walked away and there he was. His wings were still becoming straighter as I was taking photographs.

A few hours later he was ready to be released into the garden. According to Save Our Monarchs, the butterfly should be allowed three to four hours, so they can both fully inflate and dry their wings after emerging, to be released.

This guy let me take some photos of him before he flew away. That to me is a present, a thank you, if you will, from them for giving them the safe space to go through all of its instars.