After emerging in mid-September, this butterfly joins the generation of monarchs to make the long migration to Mexico. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Even as late as mid-September, monarch butterflies are depositing eggs on milkweed in Eastern Iowa.

A monarch caterpillar feasts on milkweed. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

If Iowa’s weather cooperates, those eggs will hatch in about four days to become tiny larvae, or caterpillars, which feast on the milkweed for two weeks before transforming into a chrysalis.

More: Cicada emergence

For advocates who raise monarchs indoors, the sight is a common one, but each is its own little miracle.

After seeing dozens of caterpillars this summer, this one attached onto a window ledge and emerged after about 10 days.

It spent several hours letting its wings dry before joining the generation of monarchs to make the long trek to winter resting grounds in Mexico.

Related: Keeping a healthy butterfly habitat when aphids attack

See more photos of the stages of the monarch, below:

A chrysalis hangs from a window ledge in early September in Eastern Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The monarch butterfly can be seen inside the chrysalis after about 10 days. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The monarch emerges from the chrysalis. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The monarch hangs to allow its wings to dry. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A kitty peers out the window as the monarch climbs its way up the frame. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The monarch hangs onto a lantana branch for several hours and will hopefully find its way to winter resting grounds in Mexico. (photo/Cindy Hadish)