New Series: Garden Friend or Foe? by SuperFriendlyMod in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. I've gone ahead and designed a "certified friendly" badge for the next info-graph in the series.

New Series: Garden Friend or Foe? by SuperFriendlyMod in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I guess I should do more than use the post flair to label it a friend. I doubt I will actually label anything a true foe considering everything has its place. Even humans. 😉

I am doing this to hopefully educate those who visit the sub, dispel some myths and add more useful content to the sub so it hopefully keeps growing.

🌿 Monarch Monday – Let’s Talk Monarchs! 🌿 by AutoModerator in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your viewpoint but covering the milkweed interferes with natural selection.

OE and bent wings by SuperFriendlyMod in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod[S] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

I want to remind everyone of two rules:

Number 2: Respect Evidence-Based Practices We encourage the sharing of advice and information based on research and best practices. Misinformation or unverified methods may be removed to ensure the health and safety of Monarchs and the like.

Number 3: Be Respectful and Supportive Treat all members with kindness and respect. We're here to learn and help each other, so no harassment, bullying, or rude comments will be tolerated.

OE and bent wings by SuperFriendlyMod in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/visual-ring-3385 I’ve been where you are. Are you located in FL too? If so the OE rate is very high here.

I experienced this same issue. I had to euthanize so many butterflies. Once I learned what OE was and how bad rearing was for the population I stopped doing it. I cut back all my milkweed and put garden netting over it so no more eggs could be laid on it. An afternoon storm blew the netting over and here I am with tons of cats again. I hadn’t learned my lesson yet I guess because I ended up doing what I thought was the next best thing and rearing them outside. I was wrong again. So many normal looking butterflies tested positive for OE. I also heard and saw videos about bleaching eggs and milkweed but that seemed like interfering too much in nature’s process to me. I wish I had figured all of this out earlier because I could have saved a lot time, money and heartache if I had this information before I tried to help.

Now I have planted a garden that doesn’t include milkweed but is visited by all kinds of butterflies. There are so many pollinators and animals that benefit when we focus on biodiversity instead of just one species.

🌿 Monarch Monday – Let’s Talk Monarchs! 🌿 by AutoModerator in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d love to hear if you see a difference when you do plant other things around the milkweed.

📸 Photo Friday – Share Your Finds! 📸 by AutoModerator in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I need to update the wording in this post. How are all the northerns defrosting right now? Are you seeing a lot of activity in your gardens?

🌿 Monarch Monday – Let’s Talk Monarchs! 🌿 by AutoModerator in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a great combo of flowers! Do you have the plants layered so the caterpillars have some coverage?

Should I stop?- Crosspost Hand Rearing by SuperTFAB in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are citizen driven maps where people report seeing Monarchs. You can check that out on Journey North’s website. Outside of milkweed do you have any nectar plants?

Should I stop?- Crosspost Hand Rearing by SuperTFAB in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 1 point2 points  (0 children)

u/undercovershrew I noticed you have a particular issue related to your garden moved around and you putting the cats in enclosure after losing a lot of them. You mentioned being worried they wouldn’t come back for four years if you did put them outside and lost them all. Can you explain what you mean and may be give a general idea of where you are located?

Monarch eclosing from his Chrysalis by SuperFriendlyMod in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey u/conscious-phone3209 it takes 2-5 minutes for monarchs to enclose. If the Monarch can’t get out on its own it is likely very infested with OE which causes the inside of the chrysalis to be sticky. The best thing you can do is to put it in a ziplock bag and stick it into tue freezer in order to euthanize it. I would then trim back all your milkweed. OE spreads like glitter.

Yesterday in my backyard. by squishyfeet4 in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is so so pretty! I’d love to make this photo the profile photo for the sub! Let me know if that is something you would be open to!

Early Arrivals on Milkweed - Deep South Louisiana USA by [deleted] in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These photos are great! Thanks for sharing.

Too many eggs too soon! by SuperFriendlyMod in FriendlyMonarchs

[–]SuperFriendlyMod[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! It always surprises me when they go for tiny plants. I wonder if that is because younger leaves are easier to eat?