MONARCHS AND MILKWEED
Just in the past several days, the Antelope-horn milkweed on our property has begun to bloom which reminded of us of this year's flight — and plight — of the monarch butterfly. For centuries, the monarchs have made a 3,000 mile journey that begins in Mexico and passes through Texas in the spring. This year, however, a seriously reduced population of monarchs will make that journey as their habitat in Mexico has been devastated due to a lethal combination of bad weather and illegal logging. It is reported that Mexico recently lost nearly 7 percent of its forests, an area twice the size of New Jersey, much of it from illegal logging.
Because of the precipitous drop in population — scientists estimate there are half as many of the butterflies this year — monarch migration watchers encouraged people to plant milkweed earlier this year to help the monarch population.
Why milkweed?
During the spring migration, female monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed. When the eggs hatch, they are caterpillars that feed solely on milkweed. And, as we all know, caterpillars become beautiful butterflies. Also, quite interestingly, the milkweed's "milk" that is eaten by the caterpillars is somewhat poisonous to many animals. The substance is stored in the monarch's body throughout its life, making it unappealing to many of its predators. Just not illegal loggers, apparently.
We did not intentionally plant milkweed on our property. Because we let the native wildflowers, plants, and grasses go to seed before mowing (no doubt much to our close-cropped neighbor's chagrin) we have a new crop of milkweed every year. We've seen lots of folks out on their riding mowers, kindly skirting and circling the patches of bluebonnets and prairie verbena. Maybe a swing around the milkweed, too?
For those interested in monitoring the monarch migration through Texas, visit Texas Monarch Watch.
Antelope-horn milkweed in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Because of the precipitous drop in population — scientists estimate there are half as many of the butterflies this year — monarch migration watchers encouraged people to plant milkweed earlier this year to help the monarch population.
Why milkweed?
During the spring migration, female monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed. When the eggs hatch, they are caterpillars that feed solely on milkweed. And, as we all know, caterpillars become beautiful butterflies. Also, quite interestingly, the milkweed's "milk" that is eaten by the caterpillars is somewhat poisonous to many animals. The substance is stored in the monarch's body throughout its life, making it unappealing to many of its predators. Just not illegal loggers, apparently.
We did not intentionally plant milkweed on our property. Because we let the native wildflowers, plants, and grasses go to seed before mowing (no doubt much to our close-cropped neighbor's chagrin) we have a new crop of milkweed every year. We've seen lots of folks out on their riding mowers, kindly skirting and circling the patches of bluebonnets and prairie verbena. Maybe a swing around the milkweed, too?
For those interested in monitoring the monarch migration through Texas, visit Texas Monarch Watch.
Antelope-horn milkweed in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Posted by DSBabble.com at Wednesday, April 21, 2010 5:30 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: milkweed antelope-horn milkweed dripping springs monarchs
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: milkweed antelope-horn milkweed dripping springs monarchs
Watch the Incredible Journey of the Butterflies on NOVA/PBS. The life cycle of these amazing creatures is quite mysterious and wonderful. You can also watch it on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/butterflies/program.html. You will have a whole new appreciation for Monarch butterflies and will definitely not mow your milkweed!
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I've been finding little lime green caterpillars on my property? Anyone know if these are Monarchs? Thx
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