Monarch caterpillars, despite their bright and warning coloration and the toxins they store from Milkweed plants, do have several predators. Here are some of them:

Birds

Though many bird species avoid Monarch caterpillars due to their toxicity, some birds like the oriole and the grosbeak have been reported to eat them. They seem to have developed a way to eat around the most toxic parts of the caterpillar.

Insects

Some insects like ladybugs, ants, and shield bugs can and do eat Monarch caterpillars.

Spiders

Various types of spiders are known to prey on Monarch caterpillars.

Wasps and Flies

Some species of wasps and flies lay their eggs inside or on the caterpillar. When the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the caterpillar from the inside out.

Rodents

Mice and squirrels have been reported to eat Monarch caterpillars.

Parasites

Monarch caterpillars are susceptible to various parasitic insects and nematodes.

These predators have found ways around the defenses, exhibiting the constant push and pull of nature’s balance.

Remember, though, that the Monarch caterpillar’s main defense mechanism is the toxins it accumulates from feeding on Milkweed, which make it distasteful and harmful to most potential predators. The caterpillar’s bright coloration is a warning signal of this toxicity.

The more Milkweed we plant and grow, the better chances each little caterpillar has of success. That’s why Johnny Butterflyseed sells Milkweed seeds. Together, we can restore native Milkweed and as a result, the Monarch Butterfly… one day at a time!