yikes... is there something in the atmosphere causing this uproar?

I've been lamenting the decline of monarchs and keep an eye on local fields looking to see if milkweed is present, since that seems to be the critical factor... no milkweed, no caterpillars, no next generation. While best to release the butterflies near known patches of milkweed, I see no real problem with other releases... in their remaining 2 to 6 weeks of life, they just might find some on their own.

As for little boys stomping bugs... that's been going on forever and they usually outgrow it, especially if given good guidance on respecting life. I had to protect ant hills from my kid brother who later became to biggest softy you could imagine. I probably would be laughing at the frantic parents myself, while making sure as many critters made it safely on their way.

oh, bubbly... thanks for the mention of Bronco Lane... I used to love that show... well, all westerns for that matter since they had horses... and sang along with all the theme songs... lol