Category: Butterflies

Male butterflies frequently seek out plants that are rich in alkaloids, not simply for nourishment but for pharmacology—the deliberate ingestion of plant chemicals necessary for producing sex pheromones. These pheromones, which are derived from the alkaloids consumed, are stored in specialized scent organs and later released during mating rituals to attract female butterflies.

Chemical Attraction and Courtship in Queen Butterflies

A notable example of this behavior is seen in the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus). Male Queen butterflies are particularly attracted to Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) due to a unique chemical interaction that significantly influences their mating behavior. Gregg’s mistflower produces a high concentration of alkaloids, especially pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which the male butterflies actively seek.

Male Danaus gilippus butterflies—commonly known as Queen butterflies—are especially drawn to Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) due to a fascinating chemical interaction that plays a role in their mating behavior.

After consuming these compounds, the males convert them into sex pheromones that are stored in specialized scent patches on their wings, known as androconial organs. During courtship, the males release these pheromones to signal their fitness and appeal to potential mates.

Why Gregg’s Mistflower Is a Preferred Choice

Gregg’s mistflower stands out among native plants because of its particularly high alkaloid content. This makes it a key resource for male butterflies seeking the chemicals necessary for pheromone production. In addition to its chemical properties, Gregg’s mistflower boasts a long blooming season and dense clusters of lavender-blue flowers, providing an abundant nectar source. This combination of chemical and nutritional benefits makes the plant exceptionally attractive to male butterflies, serving both their reproductive and dietary needs.

Monarch RX

A new citizen-science project, Monarch Rx, explores this little-known behavior in monarch butterflies called PA-pharmacology, where they scratch at and sip from leaves of non-milkweed plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These compounds, found in plants like boneset and mistflowers, provide defense against predators and potentially aid in mating and disease resistance.

The project invites the public to report observations of this behavior to gather data on plant diversity and frequency of PA-gathering. Collaborators hope this initiative will shed light on an overlooked aspect of monarch butterfly behavior and inspire further research into their association with PA plants.

Check out the Monarch Rx project on CitSci.org, where you’ll find links to the paper, a one-page primer about the topic, and a place to put on record the many observations we hope you’ll make.

Quick Links to More Info:

Read the paper in Ecological Entomology: The puzzle of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and their association with plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Read the paper in News of the Lepidopterists’ Society: Monarch butterflies gather pyrrolizidine alkaloids from dead and injured plants: a call for citizen science contributions

Read the article in Entomology Today: New Citizen-Science Project Explores Little-Known Behavior in Monarch Butterflies

Read the article in the Wild Ones Journal: Monarch Rx: Butterflies Obtain “Drugs” from Withering Plants

Listen to the podcast with Joe Lamp’l of Joe Gardener: Monarch Rx: The Prescription for Healthier Butterflies

Read the primer: Summary and Fact Sheet about Monarch and PAs

 

 

 

Have you ever wondered a migrating monarch can fly up to 2,500 or sometimes even 3,000 total miles from Canada and Northern United States and find the exact location they need to find in Mexico to overwinter? None of the monarchs on the fall migration path have ever been to their destination before, and yet they know exactly where to go.

Monarch butterflies know to migrate south because their genes give them an internal “clock” and instructions for navigation. They use a complex system involving a time-compensated sun compass, a circannual clock, and possibly Earth’s magnetic field to fly south. Specialized cells in their antennae and eyes help process these cues, enabling them to fly in the correct direction even on cloudy days to reach overwintering grounds in Mexico, a place they’ve never been before.

Internal Clock in the Antennae

Monarchs use a circadian clock located in their antennae to track time of day. This clock syncs with the position of the sun, allowing them to use a “sun compass” in their brain to determine direction. Without this timekeeping mechanism, they’d misinterpret the sun’s position and veer off course.

The brain integrates signals from the antennae’s clock with visual cues from the sun. This coordination helps monarchs maintain a southward trajectory toward their overwintering sites in Mexico.

So in essence, monarch antennae are like nature’s GPS satellites, keeping time, syncing with celestial cues, and guiding these tiny travelers thousands of miles with astonishing precision.

References:

• _{Butterfly ‘GPS’ found in antennae, by Judith Burns, BBC News, September 25, 2009. Accessed online June 8, 2015.}
• _{Scientists show that monarch butterflies employ a magnetic compass during migration, by Jim Fessenden, UMass Medical Schools, June 24, 2014. Accessed online June 8, 2015.}
• _{Antennal Circadian Clocks Coordinate Sun Compass Orientation in Migratory Monarch Butterflies, Christine Merlin, Robert J. Gegear, And Steven M. Reppert, Science 25 September 2009: Vol. 325. Accessed online June 8, 2015.}

 

 

If a pipevine swallowtail flutters through your garden, prepare to be spellbound by shimmering iridescent blue hindwings. The wings truly are beautiful but they do serve an important role in protecting the butterfly from predators. The wings are a warning that this butterfly is toxic. Pipevine swallowtails pack a toxic wallop because they ingest poisons from their food plant, Dutchman’s pipe.

The pipevine swallowtail  (Battus philenor) can be found across North America, spanning from the southeastern United States up into Canada and south into Central America. Specifically, they can be found in the eastern and southern United States, extending west to Arizona and with an isolated population in central and northern California. They are also found in southeastern Ontario, Canada, and southward into Mexico and northern Central America.

Pipevine swallowtails prefer warm climates and are commonly found in open woodlands, meadows, and gardens. They are particularly attracted to areas where their host plant, the pipevine (Aristolochia), grows.

Host Plant Relationship: Aristolochia Bond

Pipevine swallowtails feed on Aristolochia (pipevine), a plant rich in aristolochic acid. This toxin makes the butterfly unpalatable to predators—nature’s way of saying “look, but don’t bite”. The caterpillars store aristolochic acids from the plants, and render themselves, their pupae form, their adult form, and their future eggs distasteful and toxic —a brilliant defensive strategy.

Species such as the spicebush swallowtail, Eastern black swallowtail, red-spotted purple, and female Eastern tiger swallowtails have developed similarities in appearance to pipevine swallowtail butterflies. This mimicry functions as a method to reduce predation by causing predators to perceive them as potentially toxic.

Lifecycle

Pipevine swallowtail females search for pipevine plants when it’s time to lay their eggs, and they often lay clusters of reddish-brown eggs on young leaves or stems.

Pipevine caterpillars display a striking black coloration accented by red spines and dorsal spots, making them particularly unappealing to would-be predators. Their hues can shift with temperature—warmer conditions often deepen their tones from black to reddish shades.

The caterpillars are gregarious in their early days, which means they hang out in groups feeding together. When they get a bit bigger, they tend to go their own way. As the pipevine caterpillar grows, its appearance starts to change as well. It slowly becomes darker and has more pronounced dots of color and longer black tubercles on the front of their heads, which look like antennae.

The chrysalis of Battus philenor can be recognized by its segmented, inward-curving posterior end. Its ventral thorax arches upward, and the head bears a pair of horns on the anterior dorsal side. Remarkably, even in this vulnerable stage, the butterfly appears to deter predators with its formidable form.

Adult Pipevine swallowtail might appear black at first glance. Its upper wings are velvety black, absorbing light like charcoal silk. The hindwings—the rear pair of wings—shimmer with iridescent blue or blue-green, colors especially vivid in males and glowing even brighter under sunlight. The edges of the wings are scalloped, meaning they have a gently wavy outline that gives the butterfly a soft, undulating silhouette as it moves.

Males have iridescent blue hindwings, minimal white spotting. Often more vibrant in sunlight.

The bottom half of the ventral hindwing of both sexes is metallic blue. A single row of seven orange spots and small pale, cream dots are found at the edge of the wing embedded in the blue section. This is the pipevine swallowtail’s most identifiable characteristic.

 

Each stage of the pipevine swallowtail mirrors themes of growth, vulnerability, and renewal. From the egg’s quiet promise to the adult’s shimmering flight, the pipevine swallowtail embodies resilience and transformation.

One of the most cherished members of the milkweed family, Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, holds a special place in the hearts of many plant enthusiasts including mine. This resilient perennial plant is native to North America and can often be seen gracing the fields, roadsides, and gardens with its lush green foliage and clusters of fragrant pink flowers.

I truly enjoy strolling through a field of blooming common milkweed. The fragrance of its flowers is captivating, drawing in not just monarch butterflies but also attracting a myriad of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and an abundance of fascinating insects.

Common milkweed can grow up to six feet tall, showcasing broad, oblong leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem. The plant’s most striking feature is its spherical clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Each flower is a masterpiece of nature.

One of the most significant roles of Asclepias syriaca is its relationship with the monarch butterfly. Monarchs rely on milkweed species for their life cycle, using the plant as a host for laying eggs. The caterpillars then feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, which provide them with the necessary nutrients and toxins to deter predators. This symbiotic relationship highlights the critical role of common milkweed in supporting monarch populations.

Asclepias syriaca offers numerous benefits when planted, both environmentally and ecologically. Here are a few key highlights:

Provides a Host Plant for Monarch Caterpillars

One of the most compelling reasons to plant milkweed is to support monarch butterflies, whose populations have declined by over 90% in recent decades. Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on this plant, and their caterpillars rely on its leaves as their only food source. Without milkweed, monarch populations would collapse.

Milkweed flowers provide essential nectar for adult monarch butterflies, fueling them for reproduction and long migrations.

Read more about the important symbiotic relationship between monarchs and milkweed here: http://butterfly-lady.com/monarchs-and-milkweed/

Supports Pollinators

Milkweed isn’t just for monarchs—it’s a pollinator powerhouse. Its flowers produce abundant nectar, attracting not just monarchs but also native bees, honey bees, hummingbirds, and other butterfly species. This nectar sustains pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting biodiversity. By planting milkweed, you create a food-rich habitat, ensuring a steady supply of nourishment for wildlife in your garden or natural landscape.

Promotes Biodiversity

A milkweed patch can turn into a bustling hub of biodiversity, supporting various insects and contributing to a healthier ecosystem. A milkweed patch is far more than a pretty corner of the garden—it’s a living, breathing hub of biodiversity. Once established, it becomes a magnet for life, drawing in a vibrant cast of pollinators, predators, and herbivores alike.

Low Maintenance

Once established, milkweed is hardy and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in poor soils without the need for fertilizers or constant attention. This resilience makes it a perfect addition for those wanting a lush garden without the hassle.

Improves Soil Health

Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion and improve soil aeration. Additionally, it can adapt to different soil types, from sandy to clay-rich soils.

Beautiful Blooms

With its fragrant pink or purplish flowers, milkweed adds a lovely aesthetic touch to your garden or landscape. Their star-shaped clusters, tinged with soft pinks and purples, lend a touch of enchantment to any garden. These blooms are as alluring to the nose as they are to the eye, releasing a gentle fragrance that drifts through the warm summer air. Milkweed doesn’t just beautify a space—it transforms it, turning the ordinary into something quietly magical.

If you’re interested in creating a pollinator-friendly garden or contributing to monarch conservation efforts, planting Asclepias syriaca is a wonderful step forward.

 

Did you know that planting marigolds in your garden is like inviting a team of tiny, floral bodyguards for your plants. Here’s why:

🐛 Natural Pest Repellent

Marigolds are famous for their ability to deter garden pests. They release a compound called alpha-terthienyl, which is especially effective against nematodes—microscopic worms that damage plant roots. Their strong scent also helps repel:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Mosquitoes
• Cabbage worms
• Nematodes

🌿 Companion Planting Power

Planting marigolds around the borders of your milkweed patch can help protect vulnerable seedlings from pests while making the space visually appealing and fragrant.

Marigolds make fantastic companions for crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and beans. They can improve soil health by suppressing harmful soil-borne pests. Marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hover flies that prey on destructive bugs.

🐝 Pollinator Magnet

While they fend off the bad guys, marigolds also welcome the good ones! Their bold, bright flowers attract Marigolds are one of the flowering plants that can help in so many ways. They attract bees and butterflies and other pollinators.

🌼 Marigolds are Easy to Grow and Maintain

Marigolds are robust and adaptable. They thrive in a variety of conditions, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, these little plants are relatively fuss-free, requiring minimal maintenance to flourish.

Marigolds prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They are drought-tolerant and grow well in poor soil, making them suitable for various environments. As long as the soil is well-draining, they will continue to bloom throughout the growing season with little need for fertilization or heavy watering.

🌞 Heat-Loving and Hardy

Perfect for hot southern climates, marigolds thrive in full sun and require minimal care, making them an easy addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

They’re a beautiful blend of beauty and biology—low maintenance, ecologically helpful, and a favorite among gardeners who want to boost biodiversity and protect their crops.

Read even more benefits for planting marigolds here:
https://www.botanicalinterests.com/community/blog/marigolds-with-vegetables

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/marigolds-key-benefits-of-growing-them-in-your-garden