Zone 9a, Louisiana. Thanks to u/WeddingTop948, I know that the milkweed I purchased as aquatic is actually clasping milkweed (Asclepius amplexicaulis). When I posted pictures a few days ago, I thought I noticed a very small yellowish bump on the underside of a leaf but didn’t dare hope. I just checked on my potted plants to see how they fared after a thunderstorm and noticed these two buggers. Google Lens tells me they are monarch caterpillars. I’m cautiously jazzed. I only have the one milkweed with a smaller pup beside it; If someone here can confirm that these caterpillars are keepers, I think I might have to get my hands on a few more milkweed for these guys to feed on.
by dryland305
5 Comments
P.S. I also noticed some lacewing eggs on the same milkweed, as well as on some nearby potted plants. Do I have to worry about one group eating the others?
Yes, those are monarch caterpillars! Congratulations! I don’t think the lacewings will bother them, but someone else will likely know more about that.
Yes they are and no, the lacewings won’t bother them.
Omg they’re just little babies! How cute.
They’re this small?!?!