Butterflies on Fuerteventura

[Tardis]

Our Monarchs have started laying eggs.  We think we are going to be over whelmed with caterpillars again!

They seem to be quite happy taking nectar from the Marigolds & Turneras - see attached photos.

[OMR + MIN]

Will you have enough leaves for the caterpillars this time?

My news plants have only 5 leaves each at the moment.

[Tardis]

Will you have enough leaves for the caterpillars this time?

My news plants have only 5 leaves each at the moment.

The leaves are starting to grow back quite well on our existing milkweed.

A small number of leaves are reddish in colour but now seem to be turning green. 

Quite a few leaves are distorted.  There are no signs of bugs causing the problem.   

I've attached Photos.  Any ideas?

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Hi Tardis
I think you'll find some sort of bug is to blame even if you can't see them now. Something like greenfly or thrips or red spider mite damage the very young foliage so that as it grows it distorts. Nothing you can do if you want the leaves safe for consumption by caterpillars except washing with a strong spray of water on a regular basis to dislodge pests before they can get a strong hold.

[OMR + MIN]

Hi Tardis,

Agree with Tamara. Don't know anything more but wouldn't worry about the red leaves. Happens on mature plants anyway.

Best of luck with your caterpillars!

[Tardis]

Hi Tamara and OMR + MIN

Thank you for your helpful replies.

We noticed 3 young caterpillars today.  They were about 4mm long.

[OMR + MIN]

Doesn't take long! Good luck.

[Tardis]

The Monarchs have taken a liking to our lantanas.  We also discovered a couple of Red Admirals in the garden yesterday.

Depending on how things go, we might have a few Monarch caterpillars that need good homes.  If that is the case, would any of you like some?

[OMR + MIN]

We had a Red Admiral yesterday too. Still plenty of Painted Ladies.

My young plants won't sustain any caterpillars yet. So sorry.

Greats pics. Thanks.

[Tardis]

The Monarch butterfly caterpillar in the top left of the attached photo is about 3 days old and just over 1cm long.  After about 10 - 12 days, they grow to the size of the one in the bottom of the photo. It took ages to get two unpredictable caterpillars in close proximity!  

It’s been another busy couple of weeks.  About 12 caterpillars have now transformed into chrysalises.  Yet again, we’ve had to cull eggs and caterpillars.  Probably getting on for 300.  

We’ve tried to make some of our milkweed a no go area for caterpillars, so hopefully there will be some flowers in bloom for new butterflies in a week or two's time.

Has anyone tried to breed ladybirds to keep aphids at bay?