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In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed monarch butterflies, whose numbers in the West have declined by over 90% since the 1980s, be classified as “threatened”—one step ...
Because of this, it is most often suggested to grow milkweeds that are native to the geographical area they are planted in to prevent negative impacts on monarch butterflies. [25] [26] Monarch caterpillars do not favor butterfly weed (A. tuberosa), perhaps because the leaves of that milkweed species contain very little cardenolide. [27]
Bad weather, pollution, loss of habitat and the decline in milkweed. Swamp milkweed attracts pollinators galore and is an important food source for the caterpillars of monarch butterflies.
A monarch butterfly feeding on milkweed. (Shutterstock) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pushing for added protections for the monarch butterfly after seeing a population decline of about 80%.
Milkweed plants are a major food source for Monarch and Queen butterfly caterpillars and as with other milkweed plants, it bleeds white latex if a stem is cut and this sap is toxic to some animals and to humans. It also makes Monarch and Queen butterflies taste bad to potential predators, an effective defense mechanism.
The number of migrating Monarch butterflies sank to the lowest recorded population level in 2013–14, and there is an imminent risk of failed migration. [ 161 ] The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) publishes sets of landscape performance requirements in its P100 documents, which mandate standards for the GSA's Public Buildings Service .
Milkweed, of course, is the only food that monarch caterpillars eat, making it crucial for their survival. But here we come to the struggle between creating habitat and pretty landscapes in our yards.
Monarch butterflies flying and sipping nectar from milkweed flowers The adult's wingspan ranges from 8.9 to 10.2 centimetres (3.5 to 4.0 in). [ 10 ] The upper sides of the wings are tawny orange, the veins and margins are black, and two series of small white spots occur in the margins.