In a field awash in purple and yellow and green, butterflies float between plumes of goldenrod and sturdy ironweed blossoms. Among the plain, white cabbage moths and big, brilliant swallowtails, are a few ever-popular Monarchs, whose recent population decline is of particular concern (see Monocacy Milkweed). On my way back from scavenging the banks of the Monocacy, I like to stop by the open fields and look under the leaves of the scattered milkweed plants, where the distinctly striped caterpillars of the Monarch are likely to be. Yesterday I found a pair of the wee larvae munching away. As it is early September, these caterpillars, if they survive to butterfly-hood, are of the generation that will make the famous flight to Mexico. That’s a big future for such a little insect. But I’m rooting for them!