Eating the blooms.

[tglassburner]

Is it normal for cats to eat the blooms? The Milkweed I harvested today has blooms on it and as soon as the large cats saw the blooms the headed right for them and started munching.

[Gwynne]

I have no idea, but the second caterpillar I found this year was in the pink flower. I did end up bringing a flower home, but no one was interested in it.

[John Beaulieu]

I often find the large caterpillars on the milkweed blooms.



I have noticed on my tropical milkweed in the garden, which is just starting to form buds, the tiny caterpillars from eggs we have missed, are eating the new top growth and flower buds.

John

[Farfalla]

That's interesting! I will have to keep a look out for that.
Great picture, John!

[John Beaulieu]

I imagine that the smaller caterpillars enjoy the new tip growth of my tropical milkweed because it is so tender. I keep a close eye on the plants and collect the caterpillars if I see them. I need the plants to flower and create pods, so I have seed for the following year. Of course this constant collecting is adding up... We get at least 20 to 25 new caterpillars everyday in our garden.



This photo shows a normal haul from a garden inspection. These new cats are placed on some picked common milkweed stems. Moist paper towel is placed around the stems to provide moisture and prevent fast drying of the stems. We also will wrap the stem of individuale leaves this way to keep them fresh longer. I read that MW does not actually suggest doing this, as the moisture could create mold/fungus in the container. It works for us, but everyone's conditions are different, and always be careful with trying new ideas. What will work for one person could cause trouble in another situation. We place leaves with eggs in plastic containers (about shoe box size) and when we run out of those we use standard plant trays with plastic domes. The trays with the drainage holes provide some air circulation.

John

[Farfalla]

WOW! I can't wait to add more plants to my garden! Our waystation at school is booming though! At last report they are raising 60 cats inside so I guess the children and the Monarchs are having a great summer ,there

[tglassburner]

36 out of ~56 cats of all sizes are munching on the blooms now, i guess the tase good