DO YOUR PART- grow milkweed

[Dollythehun]

Dill and fennel, I have them both, and sassafras trees. I've always planted extensively for pollinators. Sadly, every year I see less. I can remember when they were to numerous to count. I can remember putting fennel in an arrangement and two days later seeing caterpillars in my vase. No more.

[Fuerte Rav]

This is the main passionflower I can grow here - attracts various insects but never seen any butterflies near it. This one is not edible (for humans!)



I have another that is not nearly as vigorous and has really insignificant white flowers but great fruit! Go figure! Can't find a pic at the moment.

[Fuerte Rav]

Originally Posted by Fuerte Rav

Following on from post #48 I moved 2 African Monarch caterpillars to a closed environment so I could watch their chrysalid development. The caterpillars seemed to get just as large as the normal Monarchs.

They have formed their chrysalids which look identical to the normal Monarch chrysalids except they are in miniature! Only about half the size.

The first one emerged today - definitely the African Monarch:

[Fuerte Rav]

African Monarchs just 'love' my yellow Datura and they've been feeding on the purple basil:




and as posted in the Sprouting Coconuts thread, a Monarch emerged from it's chrysalis today on my young coconut tree:



I hope no butterflies lay eggs for a few weeks as my milkweeds have hardly any leaf left.

[Fuerte Rav]

I've been giving my milkweeds an R & R period - they were exhausted from constantly being stripped by the Monarch caterpillars. All are in protective custody under nets, in cages etc and have received a dose of pesticide to wipe out all traces of Oleander Bug and Cochineal. I'll give them a couple of months before releasing them - our Monarchs breed all year so they'll soon be back in production.

My second favourite caterpillar has been busy though! The Death's head Hawkmoth also breeds in my garden:
Death's-head hawkmoth - Wikipedia

I just love the cheeky 'faces' on the caterpillars! I have green caterpillars and brown ones, different varieties of the moths. This year I witnessed them 'clicking' at each other when they were in competition over a particularly succulent leaf! Quiet amazing to hear.

This year the moths chose to lay their eggs on my Mirabilis, other years they have gone for the Guaydil. First pic shows the Mirabilis in it's prime, although tired after a hot, windy day. Then the flowers which open in the evening. Lastly the state of the plants after the caterpillars!















Anyway, a few pics, hope they make you smile as well.

[Roberta]

Wonderful photos! Thanks!

[WaterWitchin]

Fascinating and nightmarish all at the same time! Your pictures are astounding... the brown one when straightened out looks a lot like a dachshund my dad used to have.