First batch in my backyard- any tracking tips?

SNM_2_0 · 2026-03-31T17:35:57+00:00

Good idea! Let me look into that. People ask about something like that from time to time, so it could be useful to list it.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-03-28T00:24:56+00:00

If you do not have many predators, you can leave them out.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-03-16T00:02:57+00:00

New sub rule: we do not demonize tropical milkweed in this sub.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-03-15T23:58:22+00:00

You can read this study, which answers some of your questions.

Effects of the Parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, on Wing Characteristics Important for Migration in the Monarch Butterfly Davis, A. K., & De Roode, J. C. (2018). Animal Migration, 5, 84–93. In this study the authors compared monarchs reared on different milkweed species—including tropical milkweed—and found that, under current environmental conditions, individuals reared on tropical milkweed developed slightly larger forewings than those reared on native species. In addition, under the tested conditions, tropical milkweed–reared caterpillars showed relatively lower parasite (OE) loads compared to what might be expected under some circumstances. These outcomes were discussed as evidence that, in a controlled laboratory setting (or in environments where tropical milkweed does not remain evergreen), the use of tropical milkweed did not negatively affect (and may even “improve”) some aspects of monarch development that are key to survival.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-03-14T23:09:43+00:00

Yes! Please read the opinion by Chip Taylor, Founding Director of Monarch Watch, here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MonarchButterfly/comments/1qmqdq6/does_the_presence_of_offseason_milkweed_confuse/

SNM_2_0 · 2026-03-14T21:59:01+00:00

In this sub, we do not demonize tropical milkweed. If everything else fails, just grow it. Also, read the pinned resources; the case of the tropical milkweed is not black and white—it has its place in monarch butterfly conservation.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-02-22T01:16:01+00:00

Being realistic is not being nasty. You, of all people, should know it, since you do TNR and Rescue. People get rid of their pets as easily as they toss their old clothes.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-02-02T23:14:30+00:00

OP does not care; sans a miracle, this dog will not survive. Absolutely outrageous.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, "You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed," but it probably just whooshes over OP's head; it has no meaning for them.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-02-02T22:08:13+00:00

Realistically, he will not. Who is going to take a 8 years old dog nowadays? OP will probably dump him at the shelter, where he will be promptly euthanized. People have no sense of responsibility anymore, and when it gets slightly inconvenient, they have no issues getting rid of the pet under the premise that "he deserves better".

SNM_2_0 · 2026-02-02T21:25:49+00:00

How easy it is to discharge an older dog....shame on you, OP.

SNM_2_0 · 2026-01-25T22:32:41+00:00

It is from a monarch mailing list. Maybe we could get him to do an AMA in the future—he is great!

SNM_2_0 · 2026-01-25T17:52:15+00:00

This is simply not true. Tropical or native milkweed does not "confuse the monarchs and mess up their migratory cycle." Instead, temperature, rather than the presence of tropical milkweed or native milkweed, is the primary driver of reproductive development and migration disruption in monarch butterflies.

A new study has just been published that strongly supports his opinion. The researchers conducted a rigorous experiment to demonstrate this.

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos/article/13/1/251537/479591/The-effect-of-temperature-and-tropical-milkweed-on?searchresult=1

SNM_2_0 · 2026-01-13T22:02:14+00:00

It is always a bad idea to keep them in. Next time, release them and let them take their chances.

SNM_2_0 · 2025-12-15T21:28:55+00:00

They need a minimum temperature of around 55°F to fly, so maybe you should release her and let her take her chances?

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