Page 57 - Sonoma County Gazette November 2018

By Katrina Aimo,
It takes several generations to spread to the furthest reaches of landscape from the winter grounds, with an average lifespan of 2-5 weeks as a butterfly. When monarchs are signaled by the changing of the seasons, the southward
Swede’s Feeds Pet and Garden
When we first started planting milkweed two years ago with intention to help the Monarch endangered species, we met a man who was even more nutty about monarchs than we were! Merle has been raising butterflies and keeping track of the West Coast migration for years. Normally, he had hundreds
migration is endured by a single butterfly. These “super butterflies” make the entire flight back to the overwintering groves for the first time.
of caterpillars and chrysalides in his own backyard, but two years ago he had only 2 caterpillars.
The monarch population has declined over 90% since the 1980s. Only 1 out of 100 caterpillars will make it to adulthood. Lack of milkweed,
Although we have 8 milkweed
locations with 4 different species, 3
of which are native milkweeds, we
found no caterpillars or even monarchs in our garden. Why? We are uncertain, but have guessed it could be just the ebb and flow of natural cycles.
habitat loss, pesticides, herbicides and predators are all effectively dampening this species survival. Even organically
Danaus Plexippus, our iconic Monarch, translates from Greek meaning “sleepy transformation”. This describes the hibernation these insects endure in the colder months and then the incredible metamorphosis they make from larva to chrysalis to adult. This remarkable creature weighs less than a dime
certified products can affect these creatures. For instance, BT (Bacillus Thuringiensis) which is legally used in certified organic gardening proves harmful. Predators including spiders, ants, dragonflies, yellow jackets, wasps, and tachinid flies will prey on the caterpillars, while birds, yellow jackets, wasps, and mantis will prey on the butterflies.
What is perhaps most astonishing about the Monarch is that they migrate from its northern most territory down south to its winter hibernation grounds, to which it has never been. That’s right! This tiny insect will instinctively fly south to the exact same groves of trees used by its ancestors. Incredible!
So, what can you do to help monarchs in your yard? First, and most importantly, you will need plenty of milkweed. Milkweed needs 8 or more hours of sunlight and they need space. Some varieties get 5 feet tall! Do not use systemic fungicides, pesticides or herbicides in the area. Have plenty of nectar rich flowers for your butterflies or any visiting monarchs to feed on.
The female Monarch lays hundreds of eggs, one by one, on one specific species of plant - Milkweed, of which there are hundreds of varieties. The egg takes four days to hatch, emerging a tiny caterpillar. They will gorge themselves on milkweed for about 14 days, eventually growing to 3000 times its original size. The caterpillar then metamorphosizes into what we know as the chrysalis. Its form is a shiny green jewel with specks of gold, and will remain in this pupal state for about two weeks. When the time and temperature is right, the Monarch butterfly will emerge
Aster, butterfly bush, echinacea, goldenrod, hyssop, lantana, rudbeckia, sunflower, western vervain, verbena, yarrow and zinnia all are butterfly favorites. People of every age are inspired by the Monarch. Spreading knowledge is easy when people are moved by a miracle in motion. It’s up to people like us! Monarchwatch.org is a great resource.
We’d love to help you nurture Monarch Butterflies - please ask for our help. Swede’s Feeds, 9140 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood - www.swedesfeeds.com
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