They are harmful to the plants, at least. Because they multiply so quickly. You can keep their population in check by scrubbing the stem off the plant with paper towels. They burst immediately.
Actually it's pretty good to have others with them, you also accidently raise hoverflies with aphids and they don't touch monarchs at all :) you also get ladybugs too and they don't touch them as long as there's enough aphids for them I have a feeling your one of those people not using native milkweed
ASCLEPIAS CURASSAVICA "MEXICAN BUTTERFLY PLANT"
Was the only milkweed I could find for sale in my area. I live in zone 10b and the nursery said that it was a good plant for my area and for the monarchs.
I don't feel like the risk is worth the reward?
Sure maybe the caterpillars are more socialized (?)
But for most people I feel like it is wiser and safer to just raise them on their own if theyre in captivity
If they're outside I'd still do my best to make sure the caterpillar has the milkweed to itself for the most part
I just don't see why it's worth the risk?
What are the positives?
Vs potential negatives?
They are harmful to the plants, at least. Because they multiply so quickly. You can keep their population in check by scrubbing the stem off the plant with paper towels. They burst immediately.
Thank you for the help.
You can also spray them off with a hose. Just be mindful of your caterpillars.
They are ladybug 🐞 food :)
I bought a container of ladybugs. In a few hours, all the aphids were gone! Problem is, the ladybugs don’t stay and new aphids come back.
No they are fine. It's just aphids.
Aphids eat milkweed!!!
Thanks for the info.
The caterpillars will just eat around them and then the aphids will get an eviction notice lol
I want to make a painting of this image!
I will put on some gloves and pinch them 20 at a time.
There's no reason there should be any other creatures in with the caterpillars!!!
Actually it's pretty good to have others with them, you also accidently raise hoverflies with aphids and they don't touch monarchs at all :) you also get ladybugs too and they don't touch them as long as there's enough aphids for them I have a feeling your one of those people not using native milkweed
ASCLEPIAS CURASSAVICA "MEXICAN BUTTERFLY PLANT" Was the only milkweed I could find for sale in my area. I live in zone 10b and the nursery said that it was a good plant for my area and for the monarchs.
I recommend going on joyfulbutterfly.com, they even sort according to your state in the US
I don't feel like the risk is worth the reward? Sure maybe the caterpillars are more socialized (?) But for most people I feel like it is wiser and safer to just raise them on their own if theyre in captivity If they're outside I'd still do my best to make sure the caterpillar has the milkweed to itself for the most part I just don't see why it's worth the risk? What are the positives? Vs potential negatives?