Yesterday, in this post, I told you that I was hoping Monarch butterflies will come to the milkweed that I planted from seed this spring. Milkweed (Asclepias) are vital host plants for Monarchs. Their caterpillars only eat milkweed, and the butterflies then lay their eggs on the plants.
This morning, by chance, I peeked out of my office window and saw a butterfly hovering over the milkweed. I grabbed my camera, went out and took the following pictures of our first Monarch as it kept flying in and out of the milkweed. Truly, plant it and they will come!
The gradual disappearance of milkweed, due to urban development, is one of the main causes for the decline in Monarch population. More of us should be planting milkweed to help these pretty butterflies.
meta said:
The Milkweeds I planted here in Florida are yellow and also orange. I have not seen the pink ones that you have in your garden. But even so, the caterpillars liked them just as much.
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BookOfBokeh said:
Your butterflies are THE best!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you John!
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DG MARYOGA said:
How nice to get the very special visitor you were waiting for,Hien!Fascinating photos,I especially like the second one where the symmetrical patterns on the wings are impressively shown!Thanks for letting me know,I am lucky I didn’t miss it 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Doda! Maybe more Monarchs will come, then I will take more pictures, hopefully.
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absengeralois said:
magic! Gruß Alois
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Alois!
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Sue Slaght said:
Oh that is fantastic that they came. Exquisite captures!
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neihtn2012 said:
A very pleasant surprise indeed. Thank you Sue!
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katelon said:
Wonderful!
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neihtn2012 said:
It is wonderful! Thanks Katelon.
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nhi said:
Amazing shots. I’m going to google for Bướm Hoa song!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Anh Nhi!
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Jet Eliot said:
How truly wonderful that you planted the milkweed, Hien! How gratifying that must have been. And your photos are exquisite. 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Jet. I myself was surprised at the almost instant results.
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Tiny said:
You’re presenting beautiful proof, Hien 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
And I was tickled pink when I saw that butterfly. Thanks Tiny!
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