In the years since I have lived at my house in the woods, I have transformed the backyard from a grassy lawn to a collection of perennial “islands” that feature all different colors, textures and flowers, most of which appeal to hummingbirds, butterflies, caterpillars, bees or other insects. I have several clumps of Milkweed, which as you may know is the only food plant of the Monarch butterfly caterpillar. It is also the food plant of this week’s puzzler. And unlike the Monarch, many caterpillars can often be found on the same plant, or even the same leaf of the same plant.
One day back in spring when my Milkweed was looking amazing and growing well I noticed this caterpillar on it. Then after looking more closely, noticed LOTS of this caterpillar on it. I flipped over one leaf at the bottom of the plant and this is what I saw:
Because my Milkweed is not that well established, and because there were so many of these caterpillars, I collected them all and safely relocated them to a field nearby that is filled with Milkweed where they would be able to eat as much as they needed–without de-leafing my entire stand of Milkweeds.
Have you ever seen this caterpillar? A lot more people are growing Milkweed now; perhaps you are one of them. If so, sooner or later you are likely to notice this caterpillar munching on your Milkweed leaves. If you can recognize it, use the comment box below to share your guess. Then check back next weekend to see if you are correct.
Have a great weekend!