Got Food?? (Near Chicago?)

[nelsondr]

Aaaahhhh! I went to a friend's house for two days, came home, and all my larva food is gone! GONE! My husband thought it had something to do with Thai take out. I am waiting to hear from Monarch Watch about possibly getting some more, but I sure wish I was in a warmer place with plants! I'm near Chicago.

I've also contacted Brookfield Zoo and a local conservatory; I know it's a long shot, but we'll see...

[butterflyhaven]

not sure if this will help this time of year, but in the summer my cats love eating the pods and all. i know here in milwaukee wi, I can find pods out there. if nothing else, you could try that.
good luck jane

p.s. i just went outisde and still have my stalks of common milkweed up. It is raining outside so they are not crispy and might be something else to consider. If you can find common milkweed in prairies or along roadsides, take it and get it damp enough and try that.

[nelsondr]

I was thinking the pods needed to be greenish, and all I see is brown and crispy everywhere I look. I remember a few spots where the milkweed lasted a bit longer... I'll drive around a bit more and check.

Thanks for the ideas! I appreciate it!

[M_ and_ M]

I gather a lot of extra leaves throughout the summer and freeze them. Have pretty good luck with that! I know its to late now for you but a thought for next time around.
Two of the larva are now in "J" formation, looks like one more will join soon.