Frostweed, Major Nectar Source
Frostweed is major nectar source for monarch butterflies in Texas. Frostweed habitat beneath the Medina River floodplain Pecan forest shown here. The soil had sufficient moisture to support a lush Frostweed understory. We caught 42 nectaring monarchs over about one hour. Preliminary abdominal palpation suggested that these butterflies were storing moderate amounts of lipid. 12 October 2011. (Way Point 42, N29 47.736 W99 14.331)