Frequently Asked Questions about Monarchs

What if my larvae goes to the side of the observation cylinder and seems disinterested in eating?
This is a sign that your monarch larvae is getting ready to molt. A caterpillar may remain basically inactive for 12 - 16 hours through a molt. After the larvae hatches from the egg, it will molt a total of 4 times before entering its chrysalis stage. Molting is an exciting thing to observe. The caterpillar suddenly outgrows and sheds its skin. When this happens, the caterpillar will immediately eat the skin that it just shed.

What if my larvae turns black and drips dark colored juice?
This indicates that you larvae has died of a bacterial infection. Please call us immediately to get a replacement larvae on the way. In the mean time, rinse your plant and observation with a 10% bleach solution and then clear water to wash away any remaining bacteria that may remain.

What if my larvae has eaten all of the leaves off of the milkweed plant provided and still has not gone into its chrysalis? Will it starve?
Your larvae should not starve. If it is still hungry, it will be able to chew down the stems of the milkweed plant. The larvae that we send you have already molted 2 times and require approximately 7 - 9 more days of eating before entering the chrysalis. If you calculate that you need more milkweed, either attempt to find common milkweed growing outdoors, or contact us.

What if my chrysalis turns black?
This is a good thing if it occurs 12 days after the chrysalis was formed. The chrysalis is actually made of clear material. The colors that you see are the colors of what is inside of the chrysalis. When the chrysalis begins to turn black, it is because the butterfly that is inside is almost finished forming. If you look closely, you will most likely see orange as well peaking through the chrysalis. Once the chrysalis turns black, watch it closely as this will be the day that your Monarch butterfly will emerge. The entire emergence process will occur in a matter of 5 minutes once it begins.

Do Monarch larvae only eat milkweed?
It is true that Monarch butterflies are a plant specific species and will lay their eggs on only milkweed plants. The larvae require milkweed to grow and thrive. It is only after the metamorphosis occurs, that Monarchs as butterflies can and will consume nectar from many varieties of flowers.

Frequently asked questions about milkweed plants.

What do I do if there are small orange bugs taking over my milkweed plant?
The small, orange insects that sometimes appear on milkweed plants are aphids. Aphids pose no immediate threat to your larvae. If there get to be a large number of them on your plant, simply tear off the leaf that your larvae is on, set this aside in a safe place. To remove the aphids, tip your plant on its side and rinse away the aphids with water at a sink or hose. You may need to gently rub the leaves as you rinse away the pests. When the leaves of your plant have dried, place the leaf with your larvae back onto the plant. You may need to repeat this procedure in time if the aphids reappear.

After my larvae eats all of the leaves of my plant, will it die?
Your plant may look rather desolate after it is stripped of its leaves, but it is still very much alive. If you received a Tropical Milkweed variety, you may regrow it as a houseplant. If you received a Red Swamp Milkweed, you may transplant your milkweed outside. After the leaves are gone, and you are ready to regrow your plant, cut the stems down to about 6 inches. Water your plant well and put in a sunny location. You may want to fertilize it as well to stimulate growth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Monarch Butterfly Gardening.

What plant do you recommend planting to help attract Monarch Butterflies?
The plants that we have had the best success with and would recommend for attracting Monarchs include: Milkweed is a MUST as it is the only plant that monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on and that the larvae stage must have to survive. It also blossoms and provides a source of nectar for the adult butterfly. There are many varieties of milkweed and you should ask local growers what will work best in your area.

We recommend the Red Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) as it is a natural perennial to most of the United States. There are many beautiful varieties available though and you should research further to establish the best variety for you.

Meadow Blazing Star (liatris ligulistylus) has been identified through studies to be an absolute MONARCH MAGNET!!! This brilliant purple flower blooms in July and August and will be a constant nectaring site for monarchs. It has been known to attract 2-3 monarchs the very day it opens.

Joe Pye Weed (eupatorium maculatum) is a giant beauty to behold. It grows about 6-8 feet tall and flowers in late summer with clusters of pale purple flowers.

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) is one of the tallest asters, reaching heights of 4-6 feet. Its waves of bright blue/purple blooms arrive later in the summer and provide an overflowing source of nectar before the Monarchs leave on their migratory route south for the winter.

Also consider: All varieties of butterfly weed, purple coneflower, zinnias, all varieties of aster, lavender, bergamont, all varieties of black eyed susan, and goldenrod.

Sources that sell these plants include Prairie Nursery, Westfield, WI www.prairienursery.com Butterfly Encounters, Danville, CA www.butterflyfarm.com

For more questions, contact Monarch Magic® at monarchmagic@hotmail.com