Date: 08/20/2015

Number: 2

I raised two monarch larva on small first year white ballet swamp milkweed plants(A incarnata). Currently in chrysalis as of 2 days ago. I missed seeing the adult who laid the eggs. Unfortunately, I am headed out of town for 2 weeks so I probably will miss them as adults. sigh

Go Monarchs!!!

Looking forward to migration. I have not seen any adults this year to date...even when I am out and about. Last year sighted around 30 monarchs--all during migration. I need to check my records for the exact number. This was 3 times the number from 2013 (only 10) which was the lowest record ever (in 16 years).

Planted native area milkweeds.I have several butterfly weed milkweed (A. tuberosa) from two years ago. (Butterflies love the blooms--they nectar on these plants before anything else I have blooming and stay much longer on them.) Planted this year: common milkweed (A. syrica) and swamp milkweed (both pink and white, (A. incarnata)). The 2 catepillars decimated the first year white ballet leaves on two plants but the plants are still alive. I will add more plants next year...especially more white ballet. Also, I am hoping seeds next year will spread my patches (I now have 3 flower gardens with milkweed.) First year plants do not flower. I am having some issues with ants trying to farm aphids on the milkweeds. Spraying soapy water on the milkweed plants late evening (don't want to harm other bugs) to try to control. I do squash all the milkweed bugs that I see on the plants since they damage seeds(--they are red and black and look a bit like a colorful firefly.)

PLANT Milkweed--help Monarchs!!!

Warning--common milkweed has underground runners so it will take over, over the years so plant it where you do not mind it spreading....swamp milkweed and butterfly weed are more likely to stay in place. None of the milkweeds like to be transplanted...some will do it reluctantly but will be unhappy for some time.

king george, VA

Latitude: 38.3 Longitude: -77.1

Observed by: jessica
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