And come join us in the butterfly thread...we're super nice, I promise! That means you, too
@SCurtis The thread "March 2015 Butterflies, Moths & Larva" in
Gardening for Butterflies, Birds and Bees forum
I'm trying to go native this year with my milkweed. I ripped out all of my Tropical Milkweed although I keep finding seedlings. I live in one of those areas where Monarchs don't migrate and Tropical Milkweed keeps them breeding all year. This causes an increase in the OE spores which make Monarchs sick. So I'm going native. I bought some Spider Milkweed and Whorled Milkweed from Everwilde Farms:
http://www.everwilde.com/ Not only do they sell many types of milkweed, but they have handy maps on each page to show you where it's native. That way, you don't accidentally buy something that may not be native and do as well in your area. Even if you don't buy from them, the maps are super handy!
Also, Milkweed is the host plant for the Queen butterfly. Two for one host plant!
And just a fact to throw out there for everyone...the Monarch in the first picture is a male. How can you tell? See those two black dots on the lower wings? They're on that black line closest to the body. Those are scent glands that only the males have to attract females. So if you see those dots - male. No dots - female. Now get out and plant some milkweed!
