Waiting for the monarchs...

Danaus plexippus drawing..., originally uploaded by firefly hunter (crazy about wasps and phasmids!).

They haven't arrived here yet from Mexico where they overwinter, but their food plants (toxic milkweeds) are growing strong and steady in our backyard so whenever they show up they can lay their eggs and make more monarchs.

Gorgeous drawing by Devon (aka firefly hunter) on Flickr (click on image for more great insect drawings)