“Never Frass Uphill”: A Day in the Life of Marty the Monarch Caterpillar
Marty the Monarch Caterpillar shares some wisdom that’s been passed down from generation to generation: “Never Frass Uphill.”
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Botany | Butterfly Farming | Gardening | Horticulture | Monarch (Danaus plexippus) | Queen (Danaus gilippus)
DIY Guide: How to Test Milkweed Plants for O.E. Using a 40X Student-Grade Microscope
In this DIY guide, Johnny walks you through the process of testing milkweed leaves for the presence of O.E. spores using just a 40X student-grade microscope.
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Understanding O.E.: The Parasite Affecting Monarch Butterflies and How to Test for It
Understanding O.E., its implications, and how to test for it is crucial for both scientific research and butterfly conservation efforts.
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English | Gardening | Horticulture | Monarch (Danaus plexippus) | Queen (Danaus gilippus) | Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Growing Swamp Milkweed in Containers or Raised Beds
Growing Asclepias incarnata in containers or raised beds offers a flexible solution for gardeners with limited space or those wanting to control soil quality. Here’s a guide to successfully cultivating Swamp Milkweed in such settings.
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Baloon plant (Asclepias physocarpa) | English | Monarch (Danaus plexippus) | Queen (Danaus gilippus)
Asclepias physocarpa: The Whimsical Balloon Plant Beneficial to Monarchs and More
Asclepias physocarpa, commonly known as the Balloon Plant or Hairy Balls Milkweed, is originally native to southeast Africa. However, due to its unique appearance and benefits to wildlife, it has been introduced to various parts of the world, including North America.
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Botany | Butterfly Farming | Endangered Species | English | Florida Milkvine (Matelea floridana) | Gardening | Horticulture | Monarch (Danaus plexippus) | Queen (Danaus gilippus)
Florida Milkvine (Matelea floridana): A Jewel in the Butterfly Garden
Embracing the Florida Milkvine and other native plants is a step towards a more sustainable, biodiverse, and beautiful Florida.
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Arguments Against a Monarch Butterfly Decline
The decline of Monarch butterflies, particularly in North America, is a well-documented phenomenon, with multiple studies providing evidence of this decline over the past few decades. However, like many ecological topics, the specific causes, extent, and implications of the decline can be areas of debate and research.
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Balancing Top-Down Thinking with Grassroots Efforts: The Milkweed Paradigm
On one hand, we have the top-down approach, where larger institutions and governmental bodies wield vast resources and regulatory powers. On the other, there are grassroots efforts, where individuals and communities make direct interventions.
