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Large Milkweed Bugs having fun (timeyak.com)
submitted 2 days ago by to c/entomology@mander.xyz
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Oncopeltus fasciatus on Tropical Milkweed

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[–] 2 points 2 days ago (1 child)

Depending on where you're located, I would seriously reconsider cultivating that plant. For the sake of the monarchs.

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    Thanks. Yah I am in the southeast states, zone 9a, and it dies off every year. I’ve heard about the issues growing tropical milkweed relating to monarchs. I’ve tried cultivating/growing from seed other species of milkweed as well but they just cant handle the heat like the tropical does.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    Totally fair, but still does contribute to OE and some other struggles that those poor beautiful insects really could do without.

    I applaud your orientation towards native planting.

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-milkweeds/

    Straight from University of Florida, I trust this guide and know that incarnata and tuberosa are highly adaptable. Would be fun to include some of those other less common species too.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 2 days ago

    Thanks and I love the IFAS documentation. So much wonderful information there and I reference it quite a bit. I usually have the tropical milkweed mixed in with Sweetscent (Pluchea odorata) and that attracts a variety of native bees and butterflies as well. I'll have to give those other milkweed species a try again...Thanks.

    Pluchea odorata

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