Apr

The Butterfly Effect

The Mexican Butterfly Weed

First, I apologize for the mediocre picture. I was so excited to see the caterpillars that I whipped out the cell phone and snapped a picture right away before the sun set fully. Second, this nature experiment started sort of by accident because I took a picture of the plant in Bonita Bay and it had a monarch butterfly on it. I matter of factly added that I need to find out what the plant is so I can get monarchs in my back yard. The picture of the plant is here: Deerwood Bonita Bay

It wasn’t long until a loyal reader sent me the info on the plant and I was on my way to the Home Depot on Bonita Beach Road. I picked up a variety of plants that attract butterflies, including the Mexican Butterfly Weed. I had a monarch visit within days. I saw them laying eggs and today, when I ate dinner out on the patio with Dillon the Villain and saw the caterpillars. I have dozens of them already!

We are officially, accidental butterfly gardeners! Thanks Minnesota Mike!

Here is some more scientific info about the plant if you’re interested in attracting monarchs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepias_curassavica