FYI on Milkweed seed pod formation and (Common) milkweed seed fertility: See bolded material.
Milkweed " flowers produce nectar that is attractive to bees and butterflies. The unusual structure of the flowers, however, allows pollination in two complex ways. In early summer, buds begin to develop. Pollen sacs develop on the stamens. Visiting insects must accidentally slide one of their legs through a slit and into the interior of the flower. These pollen sacs snag on the insect’s leg and get pulled off the stamens. The insect must successfully remove the leg and the attached pollen sac from the slit. If the insect is not successful, the leg may be left behind or the insect may die because of being permanently stuck to the flower. I have found the legs of insects on several flowers. If successful, the insect must reach another flower and have the leg containing the pollen sac slide through the slit of the second flower. The pollen must be inserted into slits behind the crown exactly or the pollen grains germinate the wrong way and are wasted. Once all of these conditions are satisfied, the Milkweed flower has successfully been pollinated.
This is one reason why so few pods develop on most plants."
http://www.wildlifegardeners.o...
and.....
"Faunal Associations: The flowers are very popular with many kinds of insects, especially long-tongued bees, wasps, flies, skippers, and butterflies, which seek nectar. Other insect visitors include short-tongued bees, various milkweed plant bugs, and moths, including Sphinx moths. Among these, the larger butterflies, predatory wasps, and long-tongued bees are more likely to remove the pollinia from the flowers. Some of the smaller insects can have their legs entrapped by the flowers and die.
Common Milkweed doesn't produce fertile seeds without cross-pollination. "
http://www.illinoiswildflowers...
I'm going to post this and will add more in another post.
