One type of silkweed that can have a electronegative impact on monarch butterfly is tropic milkweed ( Asclepias curassavica ) . While this plant may seem beautiful and harmless , it can actually step in with monarch migration and replication .
One fashion in which tropical milkweed can harm monarch butterflies is by disrupting their raw migration radiation pattern . Monarchs are have intercourse for their incredible long - distance migrations , with some mortal traveling thou of miles to reach their wintering dry land in Mexico or California . However , the presence of tropical milkweed in northern areas can disconcert monarch into think that it is still cover time of year , lead them to stay and procreate rather of continuing their journeying .
This confusion is due to the extended farm season of tropic milkweed in comparing to native milkweed species . In northern regions , native milkweed mintage typically die off in the fall , signaling to monarch butterfly that it is time to migrate . However , tropic milkweed go on to grow and blossom after into the class , provide a faux signaling to monarchs that there is still food available for their caterpillars . This can leave in monarchs laying eggs and breed at a fourth dimension when they should be focused on migrating .
The consequences of this disruption in migration can be detrimental to monarch populations . Monarchs that breed on tropic milkweed in the fall may not have enough time to complete their life cycle before winter arrives . As a result , their offspring may not be able-bodied to make the farseeing journeying to the wintering grounds , direct to a decline in population number .
Another concern with tropical silkweed is its potential difference to harbor a parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha ( OE ) . This sponge can infect Danaus plexippus butterfly and weaken their resistant systems , hold them more susceptible to disease and reduce their overall physical fitness . Tropical milkweed , being a non - aboriginal species , may have a high preponderance of this sponge liken to aboriginal milkweed species . When monarchs repeatedly multiply on tropic milkweed , the risk of infection and the spread of OE can increase .
To mitigate the negative impingement of tropical milkweed on monarch butterfly butterflies , it’s advised to bound its use in areas where monarchs migrate through or stock . Instead , consider planting native milkweed species that of course exit back in the fall , signaling to monarchs that it is time to transmigrate . By providing the right cues and circumstance for monarch butterfly to undertake their incredible migration , we can help fend for their populations and ensure their long - full term survival of the fittest .
While tropical milkweed may be visually appealing , its presence can break up milkweed butterfly migration and reproduction . By understanding the potential hurt it can cause and produce informed choices about the plants we grow , we can diddle a role in conserving monarch butterflies and their incredible migratory journey .
Caroline Bates
