Several months back I started narrowleaf milkweed plants (seeds from livemonarch.com). About a week ago I noticed the first caterpillar, and the next day the second. Today the one at the top of the photo left the plant and started looking for a spot to pupate. Also today, found 4 (!!) more caterpillars amongst the plants. I am beyond thrilled, I never expected to get monarchs actually laying eggs on these plants so soon.
Majestic! Now just make sure that everyone who helps out in your garden understands that these caterpillars are supposed to be there. You would be astonished the number of people I have encountered who have planted milkweed for monarch butterflies and then picked off all the caterpillars who were “ruining” the milkweed.
Planting milkweed for monarchs and then picking off the caterpillars? Isn’t the way butterflies grow something we all learned in 2nd grade?
You would think so, and yet I have known multiple grown men who did this.