Milkweed Madness

Who could believe in the prophecies ... 

that the world would end this summer, 

while one milkweed with faith matured its seeds. 

~ Henry David Thoreau

Green Milkweed (aka Green Antelopehorns (Asclepias Viridis)*

I was trying to remember how I got here - amidst this milkweed madness. It seem to be another of those crooked paths with fits and starts, and sometimes big leaps that might be a little hard to follow.

What child doesn't love the bits of fluff that carry seeds to a spot where they can sprout and grow? And what person who first finds the odd composite blooms doesn't wonder - What in the world?  And what person who reaches for a plant at any stage and startles flying red and black insects does not draw back their hand (and even jump back with a scream)?

We have been to classes and talked to many folks involved in the movement to save the Monarch Butterfly during the past few months. So it seemed to make sense to do a little unscientific survey of milkweed plants in a couple of areas where we regularly walk. We found milkweed. We found lots of milkweed. We started talking about it and realizing that this is one great year for milkweed.

After reporting the first find or two, we found ourselves joining a couple of milkweed monitoring projects (they came to us). So, it was on! And we continued to look for and find these amazing plants whenever we were out - whether we were monitoring frogs or picking dewberries or scoping out new sites for hiking. The milkweed called to us from along paths, in ditches, beside roadways, and from the middle of fields.

But even though we were finding milkweed, we saw no sign of Monarchs.

Saturday morning brought a find of about 20+ Antelope Horns plants at the food of the dam at Lake Georgetown (no Monarchs on the 15 or so plants I examined).* 

The composite flower of the Antelope Horns Milkweed (and Large Milkweed Bug) at Lake Georgetown Dam. Blurry photo, but I wanted you to see the beetle.

Quite a lovely Antelope Horns plant.

This one is setting seeds - only a few "pods" for a flower of 25

On Saturday night I observed hundreds of Antelope Horns plants in the meadows of a new park ( I couldn't examine more than a couple of plants - still no Monarchs).** 

That little "pop" of red is a Large Milkweed Bug (Garey Park).

Some plants were easy to see.

Others were scattered in the grass/flowers in the meadows.

BUT SUNDAY WAS A DIFFERENT STORY!

Green Milkweed - west of Temple, TX

It took me a while to focus on the caterpillars.

Almost 100 plants in this field/meadow/pasture (what do you want to call it?) alone.

Sunday I toured with JH. I have shared hikes and stories with JH (and written about him here). He is one of those enthusiastic students and lovers of Science and all things that fly or crawl or swim. He identifies insects for me often. And we had been discussing the ponds near his house. He knows there are frogs (sees 'em and hears 'em) and has talked about me coming out to listen, record, and help identify what's there. 

He has worked on the butterfly garden at my prior employer (his current employer) and the subject of milkweeds came up recently. Apparently there are some 5 varieties of milkweed at his place. Well, I did not have to twist his arm very long before an invitation was extended. Sunday was the day.

I love country roads...

Doesn't this road invite you to see what it has to offer?

I love a good or old and probably not so good cattle guard.

It was an overwhelming hike. In just under a mile of wandering we observed and examined easily 100+ Green Milkweed plants, 3 or 4 Antelope Horns plants, and a few of another variety that is not blooming (so I will make you wait for it). We also observed 20+ Large Milkweed Bugs, 8 Monarch caterpillars and 1 adult Monarch!

A second hike is in the planning (and an evening visit to listen to the frogs). 

Here is just a little bit of the hike (JH's photos first, in case you don't take the entire hike with us):

At the end of the hike, what should appear?

This beauty stayed for a while and JH got some good photos.

We had just seen a Queen when this Monarch arrived. I was afraid to hope. I should have trusted the milkweed.

We saw these in all sizes - from an inch long (and barely as thick as a pencil lead) to just larger than my pinky - do you think I need to start carrying a small ruler? I do.)

Voracious eaters.

This property was alive with butterflies.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) Now this butterfly name could lead to a "What's on first?" routine. I understand there is a "Comma" butterfly as well.

Red Admiral

Okay. Be prepared for "feelings" rather than "focus." I suppose I need to start carrying my good camera again or else get a better cell.

While JH worried about me pushing through high grass and weeds, we were really in meadows. We rarely were in grass over ankle height. And the diversity of wildflowers was amazing

It is hard to see here, but this feathery foliage is hinting of the tall purple spikes of Liatris to come...a favorite fall wildflower.

Dandelions, Thistle, Texas Stars, Verbena, Firewheels and more. I love a good spring meadow in Texas

None of my butterfly photos turned out very well, but this is okay

JH checking for bugs and caterpillars.

And checking for more insects.

Some were easy to see.

Gulf Fritillary

Indian Plantain

Prairie Verbena

The thistles are a source for photos of pollinators - here a Cuckoo Wasp.

Spittle bug on stem of Firewheel (Gaillardia)

I was so focused on the caterpillar that I missed the spider hiding in the leaves just above.

I keep posting and honoring the Verbena - an early and late bloomer - a survivor.

Praying mantis egg case

Bushy or Brushy Bluestem (depends on who you ask). I wondered if this signaled a gilgai. JH said this property was terraced early on when the land was cultivated and the terracing shows on the satellite maps.

Indian Paintbrushes.

Rough Dogwood. The butterflies LOVED these blooms.

I am not sure I will every spot these quickly. Note the plant is rather nasty with aphids.

Having only recently identified my first Green Milkweed, I was surprised that by the end of the hike I was a little jaded. Still, we checked most plants for Monarchs.

OK. This is my "winner" photo - two caterpillars and a Large Milkweed Bug.

Lovely red beetle

NOTES:

* I checked most I found. It was very windy that day and I wonder if that open field is always windy - not conducive for little flitters to lay eggs.

** I've been told that it is not uncommon for folks to find milkweed with bugs, spiders, and bees, but no Monarchs.


MORE INFORMATION ON MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS:

http://blog.nwf.org/2015/02/twelve-native-milkweeds-for-monarchs/

http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_rp_w7000_1803.pdf

http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/texas-milkweeds-and-monarchs

https://medium.com/usfws/spreading-milkweed-not-myths-5df8c480912d