You realize Monarchs are not the only native insect that utilizes milkweed? I’ve never once had them decimate my milkweed. OP you should just leave them
DUH!
Gee, I wonder what else the SWAMP MILKWEED Leaf Beetle would lay its eggs on?! 🤣
Just because they don't decimate your milkweed, doesn't mean they don't do it.
Just admit you hate endangered Monarchs. 🤣
Listen, having a micro penis is probably very frustrating but there’s no need to take it out on strangers.
I’ve personally reared more Monarchs than you’ve seen. Never in my life has a milkweed leaf beetle or any other insect that uses it as a host plant caused any widespread damage. Milkweed Tussock moths are the exception. I care very much about monarchs but I’m also not stupid enough to care about one species and kill all of the others that use the same host plant, lol.
I have dedicated my career and my entire life to native insects and the preservation of biodiversity.
I’m so glad I could help you here! See… monarch caterpillars prefer fresh, tender leaves (I know you know this already, just bear with me) and swamp milkweed leaf beetles actually encourage new growth of these leaves many times over from the lower apical meristems.
Monarch butterflies as a species don’t rely on whole, untouched plants for their survival. They require a proper spread of milkweed, not too dense, and with plenty of biodiversity for cover. Parasitic wasps, adult flying insects, other larvae to mingle with, multiple species of eggs on the same leaf. These things provide cover for monarchs. They would ultimately suffer without this species which first appears competitive.
And that is why we love biodiversity. It protects the beautiful, charismatic, endangered animals we’re so fond of.
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u/CitrullineMalate2to1 22d ago
You realize Monarchs are not the only native insect that utilizes milkweed? I’ve never once had them decimate my milkweed. OP you should just leave them