Monarch Butterflies Update Again

Yesterday, two more Monarch's came out of their chrysalis (hatched doesn't seem the right word but I am sure someone will tell me what is).

These were both outside and when I noticed them in the afternoon one was in distress on the ground.  I lifted it up and put it on a leaf - on checking later I noticed a Praying Mantis on it.  On further investigation I discovered it only had one leg.

I despatched it to end its' suffering (assuming butterflies do suffer) and have realised that the Mantis did the damage.

This morning there was one more butterfly that had emerged - I left it for a short while and when I went back a Praying Mantis was close by so I removed the leaf complete with butterfly and put it on the outside table.  It has since flown away.

I think there are another four chrysalises (could be more) so will watch them carefully.  I have always rescued any Praying Mantis that has been in the wrong place but, in future, they will be disposed of.

It is a cruel, hard world out there.