Caterpillar Updates + What is Milkweed? 7/25/15

Little Update On Caterpillars

        Today was an uneventful day, but I was able to snap some pictures of the caterpillars that weren't hiding. 

This is my largest caterpillar at the moment. He/she isn't quite an inch long.

Busy munching away!

When Monarchs are ready to shed their skin, they lose their appetite.

And my littlest! When they are this small, they only eat the surface of the leaves,

and leave behind a lot of frass that is too small to roll off the plant.

        All seven are acting and eating normally. Watching for infection is a must with Monarchs. Signs of it may include difficulty shedding skin, watery and discolored frass, or simple unresponsiveness. Other times they seem perfectly healthy until the pupa stage. However, when it's time for them to shed skin they DO stop eating and don't seem very responsive. It's normal, and will pass within the day. The only gross part is watching them turn around and eat their skin when they're done!

So, What is "Milkweed"?

        Milkweed is the plant, the ONLY plant, that Monarchs eat. It is a weed, which is why a lot of people feel like they absolutely have to get rid of them. They are often sprayed with pesticides to get rid of the caterpillars and beetles that like them. But milkweed being killed is the leading factor in Monarch population decline. If you see it, leave it alone. If you want it out of your garden, check it for Monarchs, then if the coast is clear, dig it up. It grows back from the root, so there's no sense in chopping it off. I do highly encourage you to leave it be, because the butterflies need it in order to survive.

        But what does it look like? How do you know if you're looking at milkweed? Well, I went out today and took some pictures to show you.

This is milkweed in a field. It is most commonly found in prairie grasses.

But don't be fooled! It can grow almost anywhere. This was found along the edge

of a forest, just inside the tree line.

These were even found next to my garage. The leaves can be rounded like the 

previous photos, or come to a point like these.

When it blooms, it attracts all sorts of pollinators such as this Swallow Tail.

(See the monarch photo-bomb in the back?)

It can appear in huge quantities!

And if you are still unsure, tear a leaf through the stem. It should "bleed milk".

        So there you have it, if you are looking for Monarchs to raise yourself or if you simply want to preserve their food, that's what to look for. Simply letting these plants grow could save a butterfly.

        I will write to you tomorrow with pictures of all of my caterpillars. My plants are starting to look wilted and speckled, so I will definitely be out getting food. And maybe even more caterpillars....