{"id":4454,"date":"2024-03-14T02:36:19","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T20:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/?p=4454"},"modified":"2024-03-14T02:36:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T20:36:19","slug":"do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Monarch Butterflies Eat Milkweed? (Answered)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Monarch butterflies are one of the most famous types of butterfly throughout the world. They are hailed for their excessively beautiful features. However, the pollinating ability and process of monarch butterflies are not talked about much.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, we are going to discuss and find out whether monarch butterflies eat milkweed or not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monarch butterflies enjoy eating milkweed. In fact, milkweed plants are the sole source of food for monarch butterflies. They rely on the milkweed plant throughout their lifetime because of the nutritional value, protection, and growth. Milkweed supplies monarch butterflies with important toxins.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6633b6e881cd5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6633b6e881cd5\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\"><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed\" title=\"Do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?\">Do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Swamp_milkweed\" title=\"Swamp milkweed:\">Swamp milkweed:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Butterfly_milkweed\" title=\"Butterfly milkweed:\">Butterfly milkweed:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Do_monarch_butterflies_eat_anything_other_than_milkweed\" title=\"Do monarch butterflies eat anything other than milkweed?\">Do monarch butterflies eat anything other than milkweed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Why_do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed\" title=\"Why do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?\">Why do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#For_survival\" title=\"For survival:\">For survival:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#For_development\" title=\"For development:\">For development:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#For_protection\" title=\"For protection:\">For protection:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#For_nutrition\" title=\"For nutrition:\">For nutrition:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#For_reproduction\" title=\"For reproduction:\">For reproduction:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#What_type_of_milkweed_do_monarch_butterflies_eat\" title=\"What type of milkweed do monarch butterflies eat?\">What type of milkweed do monarch butterflies eat?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Purple_milkweed\" title=\"Purple milkweed:\">Purple milkweed:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Common_milkweed\" title=\"Common milkweed:\">Common milkweed:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Butterfly_milkweed-2\" title=\"Butterfly milkweed:\">Butterfly milkweed:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Redring_milkweed\" title=\"Redring milkweed:\">Redring milkweed:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Swamp_milkweed-2\" title=\"Swamp milkweed:\">Swamp milkweed:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#White_swamp_milkweed\" title=\"White swamp milkweed:\">White swamp milkweed:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#How_long_do_monarchs_need_milkweed\" title=\"How long do monarchs need milkweed?\">How long do monarchs need milkweed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#How_do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed\" title=\"How do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?\">How do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed_leaves\" title=\"Do monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves?\">Do monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Will_monarch_caterpillars_eat_milkweed_stems\" title=\"Will monarch caterpillars eat milkweed stems?\">Will monarch caterpillars eat milkweed stems?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed.jpg 800w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-735x551.jpg 735w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-335x251.jpg 335w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-347x260.jpg 347w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-640x480.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4456 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-720x540.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-480x360.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-320x240.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-735x551.jpg.webp 735w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-335x251.jpg.webp 335w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-347x260.jpg.webp 347w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-520x390.jpg.webp 520w, https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed-640x480.jpg.webp 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3912.-Do-monarch-butterflies-eat-milkweed.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&rsquo;s look at different types of milkweed and see if they are eaten by monarch butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swamp_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Swamp milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The scientific name of swamp milkweed is Asclepias incarnata. Swamp milkweed belongs to the category of perennial flowers. It is most famous for producing beautiful pink blossoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pink blossoms of swamp milkweed attract butterflies of all kinds and monarch butterflies are not an exception in this case.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monarch butterflies rely on swamp milkweed for survival. Because swamp milkweed holds a lot of important elements for monarch butterflies. For example, swamp milkweed is known for possessing a vital poison that ensures the survivability of monarch butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eating swamp milkweed protects monarch butterflies from predators. Eating the monarch butterflies will cause harm to the predators because of the poison they get from swamp milkweed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Butterfly_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Butterfly milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Asclepias tuberosa is the scientific name of butterfly milkweed. It is known for producing orange blossoms and attracting the monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies can not resist the temptation of eating butterfly milkweed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This perennial flower plant is a favorite food item of monarch butterflies. Because they are dependent upon the nutrition provided by butterfly milkweed for the survival of the larva. So it is quite common to see monarch butterflies feeding on butterfly milkweed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_monarch_butterflies_eat_anything_other_than_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Do monarch butterflies eat anything other than milkweed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It is believed by experts that monarch butterflies do not eat anything else other than milkweed<\/strong>. There is a valid reason behind this. When the monarch butterflies are in the caterpillar stage, they are dependent upon milkweed plants for their survival and nutrition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The toxic poison found in the milkweed plants develops the larva of monarch butterflies and sets them up for life. The immune system of monarch butterflies increases when they continue to feed upon milkweed plants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monarch butterflies do not have to rely upon multiple food sources for their survival. They only need milkweed plants in order to survive for the rest of their life. Milkweed is the most important and the only source of food for monarch butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So they do not need any other food on their daily diet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Why do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a lot of valid reasons why monarch butterflies eat milkweed plants. Let&rsquo;s discuss those reasons in detail.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_survival\"><\/span><strong>For survival:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first major reason why monarch butterflies eat milkweed is for their survival. Milkweed flowers have a critical toxic poison in them that is required by the monarch butterflies for their survival. The name of this poison is cardenolides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If milkweed is eaten by any animals other than monarch butterflies, then they would have a cardiac arrest due to this poison. This is what makes monarch butterflies different. They are able to digest this poison and use it to their advantage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The predators can not eat monarch butterflies because of the cardenolides poison inside them. This gives them ultimate protection against all types of predators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_development\"><\/span><strong>For development:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The caterpillars of monarch butterflies are dependent upon milkweed plants for their development. The caterpillars eat the leaves of milkweed plants for their proper growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As milkweed plants are the sole source of food for monarch caterpillars, they can not develop into an adult butterfly without it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_protection\"><\/span><strong>For protection:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed plants provide protection for the monarch caterpillars until they turn into an adult monarch butterfly. Milkweed plants are important for the life cycle of monarch butterflies as they can not survive without relying on the advantages provided by milkweed plants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_nutrition\"><\/span><strong>For nutrition:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed flower is the only source of food for monarch butterflies. They can not eat anything else because of their function and body structure. Monarch butterflies can not live for long without eating milkweed flowers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed flowers and monarch butterflies are made for each other. But monarch butterflies need milkweed flowers more to cover their nutritional needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_reproduction\"><\/span><strong>For reproduction:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Monarch butterflies are known for laying eggs on the milkweed plants. The eggs receive food nutrition from the milkweed plants. The eggs would not be able to turn into butterflies without a milkweed plant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_type_of_milkweed_do_monarch_butterflies_eat\"><\/span><strong>What type of milkweed do monarch butterflies eat?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a lot of different varieties of milkweed plants that monarch butterflies like to eat. Let&rsquo;s discuss in detail about some of them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purple_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Purple milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The scientific name of purple milkweed is Asclepias purpurascens. They are known for producing amazing purple blossoms. They are good at attracting monarch butterflies and monarch butterflies also rely on them for food and protection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Purple milk flowers have cardenolides poison. They also help the monarch caterpillars to develop into the adult butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Common milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Asclepias syriaca is known by the name common milkweed. The color of common milkweed&rsquo;s blossoms is pink. Monarch butterflies are drawn towards common milkweed because of the poison it has.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The caterpillars of monarch butterflies also rely upon the leaves of common milkweed for their nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Butterfly_milkweed-2\"><\/span><strong>Butterfly milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Butterfly milkweed&rsquo;s scientific name is Asclepias tuberosa. This variety of milkweed plants is such a favourite of the monarch butterflies that it has even been nicknamed as butterfly milkweed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The orange blossoms of butterfly milkweed work as a great attraction for monarch butterflies and provide them with food and protection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Redring_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>Redring milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The scientific name of redring milkweed<strong> <\/strong>is Asclepias variegata. This variety of milkweed plant is famous for producing beautiful white blossoms. They are very good at attracting monarch butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And monarch butterflies also depend upon them for food and cardenolides poison.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swamp_milkweed-2\"><\/span><strong>Swamp milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Asclepias incarnata also known as swamp milkweed is a favorite variety of monarch butterflies. They are known for feeding upon the leaves of swamp milkweed for cardenolides poison.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swamp milkweed also provides protection for the larva of monarch butterflies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"White_swamp_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>White swamp milkweed:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The basic difference between white swamp milkweed and swamp milkweed is the color of their blossoms. White swamp milkweed produces white blossoms and is able to attract monarch butterflies just like swamp milkweed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_monarchs_need_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>How long do monarchs need milkweed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monarch butterflies need milkweed throughout their lifetime<\/strong>. The reason behind this is that the only source of food needed for the survival and development of monarch butterflies is milkweed plants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monarch butterflies eat the milkweed flowers to gather the much needed cardenolides poison and monarch caterpillars eat the milkweed leaves for their growth. Additionally, milkweed plants provide protection to the larva of monarch butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Considering all of the crucial benefits provided by the milkweed plants, it is impossible for monarch butterflies to survive without milkweed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed\"><\/span><strong>How do monarch butterflies eat milkweed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monarch butterflies eat milkweed with the help of their feeding tube<\/strong>. The feeding tube is crucial for monarch butterflies to eat the cardenolides poison found in milkweed flowers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After monarch butterflies have successfully eaten cardenolides poison from milkweed, they begin to digest the poison with the help of a metamorphosis process. Monarch caterpillars on the other hand are known for eating the leaves of milkweed plants for their natural growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is fascinating to see a monarch butterfly feed upon a milkweed plant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_monarch_butterflies_eat_milkweed_leaves\"><\/span><strong>Do monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed is known for being the only source of food for monarch butterflies. No part of the milkweed gets left during the life cycle of monarch butterflies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, when the larva of monarch butterflies turns into caterpillars, it begins feeding on the leaves of milkweed for its survival and growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It is natural for monarch caterpillars to feed upon milkweed leaves<\/strong> as it is the only source of food for them and they are not used to eating anything else other than milkweed leaves.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_monarch_caterpillars_eat_milkweed_stems\"><\/span><strong>Will monarch caterpillars eat milkweed stems?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monarch butterflies are seen eating milkweed stems <\/strong>for their survival and growth. Specially, the monarch butterflies rely upon the nutrition provided by the milkweed stems when they are in the caterpillar stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is why many butterfly owners prefer to cut the stems of milkweed plants and feed them to their monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars have to be fed milkweed stems on a daily basis for their proper growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed stems are recommended by experts as a good choice of food for monarch caterpillars.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed plants are eaten by monarch butterflies for several reasons. Cardenolides poison is provided by milkweed plants which is needed for the survival of monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies can be seen feeding on the leaves of milkweed plants when they are in the caterpillar stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Monarch butterflies are one of the most famous types of butterfly throughout the world. They are hailed for their excessively beautiful features. However, the pollinating ability and process of monarch butterflies are not talked about much.&nbsp; Today, we are going to discuss and find out whether monarch butterflies eat milkweed or not.&nbsp; Do monarch butterflies &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4456,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4454"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4454"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4454\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4502,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4454\/revisions\/4502"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4456"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4454"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4454"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdooralive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4454"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}