This is for Submitted by sdek on June 13, 2020 - 9:03pm
Contrary to what you posted, Monarchs are NOT attracted to aphids on milkweed and seek aphids instead of the plant.. Milkweed is Monarch food source and seek the milkweed. The feet of the Monarch has plant sensors and when landing on a plant it knows if it's milkweed or not. The female lays it's eggs on the underside of the leaves, not on aphids.
The feet have two forked "toes" that are like spikes and attach to anything, even your skin. It's hard to lift them off and care should be taken not to jerk them to release, the feet can be damaged.
Wish you had more knowledge about Monarchs. I've photographed, gave lectures to Audubons, school kids in NE for over 20 years. I cane tell what a Monarch is doing in their life cycle from the mating, egg laying, hatching, development and feeding. All aspects, so I know aphids don't attract Monarchs.
I've seen Milkweed loaded with aphids and if no cat's or eggs I cut and destroy the plant. I have fields full of milkweed in VT.
This is for Submitted by sdek on June 13, 2020 - 9:03pm
Contrary to what you posted, Monarchs are NOT attracted to aphids on milkweed and seek aphids instead of the plant.. Milkweed is Monarch food source and seek the milkweed. The feet of the Monarch has plant sensors and when landing on a plant it knows if it's milkweed or not. The female lays it's eggs on the underside of the leaves, not on aphids.
The feet have two forked "toes" that are like spikes and attach to anything, even your skin. It's hard to lift them off and care should be taken not to jerk them to release, the feet can be damaged.
Wish you had more knowledge about Monarchs. I've photographed, gave lectures to Audubons, school kids in NE for over 20 years. I cane tell what a Monarch is doing in their life cycle from the mating, egg laying, hatching, development and feeding. All aspects, so I know aphids don't attract Monarchs.
I've seen Milkweed loaded with aphids and if no cat's or eggs I cut and destroy the plant. I have fields full of milkweed in VT.