Date: 09/17/2016

Number: 1

As of today, I have over 30 larvae and 10 chrysalides- all in protective netting. Many of my milkweed plants are almost devoured. I lose many leaves to rust fungus and fight off aphids almost daily. I have lost at least 10 eggs to an earwig that was hidden in one of the pots. I have two large tropical milkweed plants in the garden and one native milkweed species (SC) that voluntarily grew. I visit the milkweed several times a day looking for new eggs, pests, rust fungus, and adult butterflies. I've discovered that any eggs left on the leaves make it until they hatch. Predators come quickly and eat the 1st stage instars. After observing this, I collect the leaves with eggs and rear them in butterfly houses. Naturally, several have died - I've witnessed each stage of caterpillar die - even in mid chrysalis. Looking forward to releasing as many as possible, hoping I can provide enough food. Local nurseries are not receiving new milkweed shipments.

Mount Pleasant, SC

Latitude: 32.8 Longitude: -79.9

Observed by: Paige
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