Ep. 222 Monarch Butterfly Conservation: Should You Rear Them Indoors? | #GoodGrowing

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from University of Illinois Extension explores the adversaries of the monarch butterfly, including the controversial practice of captive rearing.

Although we do not recommend captive rearing, there may be times when it is wanted for educational purposes. Can it be done responsibly? Chris shares best practices for raising monarch caterpillars indoors. Instead of captive rearing, support habitat conservation efforts! Learn how programs like Monarch Waystations and pollinator gardens can help restore critical habitat.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/Yfzxnvpco0M

00:32 The dangers encountered by monarch butterflies
   02:07 Predators!
   02:17 Disease!
03:18 A historic shift in habitat for monarch butterflies
04:04 Introducing the concept of captive rearing of monarch butterflies
07:17 Why captive rearing is not recommended
   07:27 A loss of fitness
   09:21 Artificially overpopulating an area with monarch butterflies
10:38 If you are STILL going to captive rear monarch butterflies, here are some tips.
   11:44 What to feed your monarch caterpillars (cats)
   14:21 What type of container to use
   14:57 Placement of rearing cage
   15:14 Check and clean containers daily
   15:42 The stages (instars) of the caterpillar
   16:11 The walkabout and final molt into a chrysalis
   18:19 Emergence of the adult butterfly from the chrysalis
   18:51 Releasing the adult
   19:00 Not everything works out with the rearing process
   19:19 Don't handle monarch caterpillars
   19:51 How many caterpillars are responsible for rearing?
21:53 If captive rearing is discouraged, what can be done to help monarch butterflies?
23:49 efforts to support monarch butterfly habitat
24:32 Monarch Waystation Program
29:15 Upcoming Monarch Migration Festival. Thank you and see you next week!

Monarch Migration Festival, Sept 6, 2025 https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2025-09-06-11th-annual-monarch-migration-festival

Xerces Society Keep Monarchs Wild https://www.xerces.org/blog/keep-monarchs-wild

Monarch Butterfly Science w/ Dr. Andy Davis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIt-zkivDjI

Monarch Butterfly Status Update w/ Brodie Dunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmqQlyPY1TA

University of Illinois Extension Pollinator Pockets https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinator-pockets

University of Illinois Extension Pollinator Website https://illinoispollinators.org/

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 

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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk 

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