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Larval Host Plants Milkweeds (Asclepias) Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

The Special Connection Between Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants

Hello, friends! Today, we’re going to learn about a special friendship between Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed plants. They need each other to survive!

More Milkweed Salad Please

Did you know that Monarch Butterflies must lay their eggs on Milkweed plants? The eggs hatch into caterpillars, and guess what? These caterpillars only eat Milkweed leaves! Picky eaters!

Monarch Butterfly egg, about the size of rice, attached to a Milkweed leaf. Once hatched, the caterpillar can start eating immediately by chewing on the leaf surface.

But wait, if there’s no Milkweed… there are no caterpillars. And no caterpillars mean… no Monarch Butterflies!

That’s why it’s important to Plant More Milkweed anywhere and everywhere.

No Milkweed, No Monarchs

If you haven’t seen Monarch Butterflies around, it’s because there’s not enough Milkweed for them. But here’s the exciting part – if you plant and grow more Milkweed, Monarch Butterflies will come to visit!

Milkweed flowers are pretty and smell nice to people as well as pollinators. This Swamp Milkweed makes lots of pink flowers.

By planting Milkweed, you’re giving a home and food to the caterpillars. They will grow big and strong, and eventually turn into beautiful butterflies that flutter and dance in the sunshine.

Be a Friend

So, let’s be friends to Monarch Butterflies! Plant Milkweed in your yard, garden, neighborhood, or city, and tell others about it. Together, we can make sure these wonderful butterflies have a place to call home.

Monarch Butterflies eating the nectar from Purple Coneflowers in the city. Adults need nectar from many kinds of flowers, along with Milkweed.

Remember:

No Milkweed = No Monarchs.

Plant More Milkweed = See More Monarchs!

Johnny Butterflyseed

Together, we can spread the word, Plant More Milkweed, and help make new homes for Monarch Butterflies and their babies… one day at a time!

THE END

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