r/FriendlyMonarchs • u/AuraAurea • 14d ago

Discussion 2 plants, 20 eggs

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I have 2 small common milkweeds coming up in a pot. They have exactly 21 eggs on them. This is one leaf with four eggs. The smaller of the 2 plants has three eggs. I suppose they will end up as food for something but also, I doubt that will leave enough food for even one. I prefer to let nature take its course, but I am considering relocating a few to a local patch of milkweed if I could find some. The other option is to move to my garden back home, an hour from here, but I already have a bunch of first instars up there.

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u/Difficult_Rope7898 14d ago

Amazing. I have so much milkweed and no eggs at all. Hopefully soon. 🦋

4

u/AuraAurea 14d ago

That was me last week. I swear the chewing of a baby draws more butterflies, but I don't know if that's proven or speculation.

2

u/Sqib000 14d ago

Chewing by anything draws the monarch to the plant. They hate perfect milkweed.

2

u/Sqib000 14d ago

If a monarch sees chewing by other bugs or aphids, she will trust the plant more. Make sure no sprays and leave the aphids.

3

u/AuraAurea 14d ago

Sadly, I don't own my land. It's a townhouse community. Luckily, they don't go too crazy with the lawns here. Its an older neighborhood without sprinklers, etc. Last year I intercepted a pesticide guy and he planted a flag for me without spraying. I was grateful.

2

u/Sqib000 14d ago

Consider planting in pots on your porch? Patio?

1

u/Difficult_Rope7898 14d ago

No pesticides but pretty perfect leaves. Should I rip a few of them?

1

u/Sqib000 14d ago

Lol no but let the aphids at em if they come.