Need help identifying Butterfly
Location: South Central Wisconsin
March 2, 2012 11:04 am
Hello, I run a garden at my local(southern Wisconsin) elementary school and took this shot in September. The butterfly is perched on one of the sunflowers the students plant every spring during the last week of school. Our garden is right next to a restored prairie that’s a registered Monarch way station. My good friend (and long time WTB fan!) CZ recommended I submit for your expert analysis. Is it true that Monarchs feed only on milkweed? The butterfly appears to be feeding on the sunflower. Thanks for your help!
Signature: KB
Dear KB,
While it is true that the Monarch Caterpillar feeds exclusively on milkweed, the adult Monarch butterflies are not particular about the flower they take nectar from, though milkweed flowers are one of their favorites. This is indeed a Monarch butterfly.
Dear Daniel,
Thank you so much for your help!
Kind regards,
Kris