My sister-in-law visited yesterday and was commenting on well the Milkweed was growing (she gave me the seeds to start it). However she noticed that there wasn't any "of those mites" on it. I said no because I just got rid of them! She said that it was a mistake to do that because that's what attracts/feeds the butterflies! :-o Is this true?
Butterflies don't feed on any type of insects, including mites, Cheryl. They visit the flowers and drink nectar from them. You were right to get rid of the mites as they could destroy the very plants the butterflies need for their food supply. :-D
Thanks Eileen... I didn't think she was right, but didn't want to argue with her (you know how sister-in-laws can be!) She had me feeling so bad about starving the poor butterflies! I'll just keep an eye out for the mites and not tell her a thing!
One day I'm going to have to tell her the truth. Just imagine all the butterflies that are starving at her house!
The caterpillars of the Monarch Butterfly feed on milkweed plants, but not on any insects. They actually use the poisons in the plant to use as a defence against predators. So you basically saved the butterflys food.
I have some milkweed coming up from last year and I reminded my husband that it is for the butterflys and not to pull it. It is in my flower garden just waiting for a butterfly..
i have noticed that butterflies nowadays are so few i'd be amazed if i see some visiting my lawn. back in the old days we'd catch them with nets in the afternoons because there were lots of them.
