Monarch foodplant variant

[Essex Bertie]

I have been asked whether the Monarch butterfly would use Ascepias tuberosa as a larval foodplant. It's also known as 'Butterfly Weed', a type of milkweed.
I don't think there's any intention of trying to rear Monarch butterflies, just an interest as they have it in their garden.
regards
Rob

[bugboy]

According to the Wikipedia page, it's on a rather long list of LHP's.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly

[Essex Bertie]

Thanks, Bugboy

[MrSp0ck]

Yes Monarchs love tuberosa, but you have to watch adults dont get trapped in the flowers, as with all in the genus and relatives grab hold of insects legs.

[Matsukaze]

I tried experimenting with this and a couple of other Asclepias in the hope that they would prove good butterfly nectar plants (having breeding Monarchs in the garden seemed slightly unrealistic). Regrettably they proved very vulnerable to slug damage, so I've moved on to trying other things. Perhaps the plants might do better in a less damp environment - Essex would certainly count!

[Essex Bertie]

Thanks MrSp0ck and Matsukaze for the additional information. Interesting about the legs getting tangled, although I don't think the chap in question is looking to breed the butterfly. Yes, Essex should be dry enough under normal circumstances although this chap's garden is by a river and is one of the few sites in Essex to get the Butterbur moth!