What's happening to my Monarch Caterpillars?
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
- 2 years ago
Related Discussions
Video of monarch caterpillar transformation
Comments (2)Here is the short funny one. This is my favorite. Hope you enjoy Here is a link that might be useful: The Grouchy Caterpillar...See MoreWhat eats Monarch Butterfly eggs/caterpillars?
Comments (9)Ants most definately eat butterfly eggs and 1st instar caterpillars (See below a section of an abstract). In fact, many plants, such as Senna, have what are called "extra floral nectaries". These are areas (usually little protruberances) that secrete nectar to attract ants. The ants in turn protect the plant from herbivores. There are lots of other things that eat eggs as well, ladybugs, tree crickets, lacewing nymphs. In addition, small wasps called chaclids, can lay their eggs inside butterfly eggs. This is why we often collect eggs and bring them to a safe place to raise. By the way, I have see a lot of chrysalises eaten by ants as well. They leave a nice neat hole, a little smaller than a pencil eraser. -Elisabeth Abstract I investigated variation in the effect of ants at extrafloral nectaries on the plant reproductive success among three populations of Cassia fasciculata (Leguminosae) in northern Florida. Results show that the possession of extrafloral nectaries can lead to increased reproduction. Density of ants and removal of experimentally placed Drosophila larvae were far higher on C. fasciculata than on nonnectariferous background plants. Ants preyed on eggs and small larvae of lepidopteran herbivores. C. fasciculata plants from which ants were excluded had more larvae of the major seed pod predator Phoebis sennae (Pieridae; Lepidoptera), suffered higher pod predation (at one site), and had lower reproductive output (at two sites) than did control plants to which ants had access. Effects of extrafloral nectaries on reproduction of C. fasciculata varied among the three populations, due apparently to differences in density of ants and potential herbivores....See MoreWhat caterpillar is this on my milkweed (not a monarch)?
Comments (5)Just an update: while I haven't seen this caterpillar around since, ALL of the aphids on the milkweeds in this bed are GONE! I have quite a bit of milkweeds located in the bed, and although the incarnata's are mostly "burned" (browned foliage; I had another thread about this), I see no more aphids! A good guy indeed; thanks for the help. Hopefully others will be more inclined to ask before squishing ;)...See MoreNeed help with my only surviving Monarch caterpillar
Comments (1)If you don't have a hard freeze, it should be okay. They can usually survive temps down to 45 or below depending on where they are located. Some areas of the yard have microclimates. The lower temps do slow down the cycle and it will take it longer to pupate. If the area is not totally secured, it will leave the plant to pupate. Here is a link that might be useful: Raising Monarchs Info from Monarch Watch...See MoreRelated Professionals
Fort Lee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Manhattan Beach Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Clayton Landscape Contractors · Conroe Landscape Contractors · Gloucester Landscape Contractors · Lynwood Landscape Contractors · Norwalk Landscape Contractors · Siloam Springs Landscape Contractors · Peoria Fence Contractors · Lockport Fence Contractors · Naperville Fence Contractors · Spanaway Fence Contractors · Vista Park Window Contractors · Waupun Window Contractors · Portage Window Contractors- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
Related Stories

FLOWERS AND PLANTSHelp Monarchs and Other Butterflies by Planting Common Milkweed
Summer-blooming Asclepias syriaca is an important larval host plant for the monarch butterfly and attracts a number of pollinating insects
Full Story
GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESBe a Butterfly Savior — Garden for the Monarchs
Keep hope, beauty and kindness alive in the landscape by providing a refuge for these threatened enchanters
Full Story
CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTSGreat Design Plant: Asclepias Is Attractive to Monarch Butterflies
Increase monarch butterfly populations in California by planting stunning native milkweeds
Full Story
FALL GARDENINGWhat Monarch Butterflies Taught Me About Garden Design
Thinking like a butterfly leads to fresh perspectives in the garden and in life
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Asclepias Incarnata for a Butterfly Garden
Beautiful swamp milkweed makes it easy to help monarchs and other pollinators in eastern U.S. gardens
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Asclepias Verticillata
Plant whorled milkweed in dry central and eastern U.S. gardens to attract monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris Ligulistylis)
Make fast friends with the monarch butterflies and get a color show too with this adaptable U.S. Midwest native
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Asclepias Viridis
Green antelopehorn is a milkweed that is short, drought-tolerant, not aggressive and a monarch favorite
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESAmerican Lady Butterflies Add Delight to Summer Gardens
Provide native nectar and larval host plants to welcome these migratory butterflies
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESHow I Learned to Be an Imperfect Gardener
Letting go can lead to a deeper level of gardening and a richer relationship with the landscape. Here's how one nature lover did it
Full Story
four (9B near 9A)