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.
Monarch butterfly antennae are far more than delicate feelers—they’re precision instruments for navigation. During their epic migration, these antennae play a crucial role in helping monarchs orient themselves and stay on course.
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.
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.
As the pipevine flutters it wings the sunlight
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.
The core range is concentrated in the southern half of the United States and continues south into Mexico and parts of Central America. Pipevine Swallowtails can be found in areas outside their typical range, sometimes straying into places like Minnesota.
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.
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Host Plant Relationship: Aristolochia Bond
Pipevine swallowtails feed onAristolochia (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.
Aristolochia species are commonly known as pipevines or Dutchman’s pipes because the flowers of some species are shaped like tobacco pipes. Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids, potent toxins that deter most herbivores.
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.
A female depositing eggs on a tendril of the vine.Females typically lay eggs in clusters so when the caterpillars hatch and feed together they form a living warning signal in shades of black and orange.
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.
When threatened, the caterpillar will flash its osmeterium, a fleshy orange forked gland at the top of the head emitting a very noxious odor to ward off predators.
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.
Lee Miller holds a leaf with several pipevine caterpillars feeding on one leaf.
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.
The chrysalis is suspended by a silk girdle and blends in with the green leaves helping it to camouflage from predators.
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.
Female pipevine swallowtails have duller blue hindwings and prominent white spots on forewings.
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.
The orange spots serve as a warning to predators thatthe butterfly is toxic.
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.
Common milkweed growing in a field in North Carolina.
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.
If you love common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) as much as I do, you will love this poster from Where’s Wildlife! You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3Rd6ImL
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.
Milkweed flower clusters consist of multiple individual flowers that arise from the stems of a single branch.
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 syriacaoffers 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.
A 5th instar monarch caterpillar feeding on common milkweed growing on the sore of the Mississippi River.
Milkweed flowers provide essential nectar for adult monarch butterflies, fueling them for reproduction and long migrations.
Milkweed flowers provide essential nectar for adult monarch butterflies, fueling them for reproduction and long migrations.
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.
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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.
The deep taproot system helps break up compacted soil, enhancing aeration and water infiltration. This root architecture also stabilizes the soil, reducing erosion.
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.
Kim Watkowski-Beavers plants three to four marigolds around the base of each milkweed and says this is super helpful in controlling aphids.
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.
Marigolds are one of the flowering plants that can help in so many ways. They attract bees and butterflies to help pollinate your vegetables, attract predatory insects that love to eat the pests that may plague you, and ‘trap’ certain types of pests so they leave your veggies alone.
🐝 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 look amazing outside in the gardens bringing a burst of color.
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.
This beautiful display of Aztec Marigold at the San Antonio Botanical Garden thrive in the heat of the day.
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.
The viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation, renowned for its striking resemblance to the more famous monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). But beneath its deceptive appearance lies a story of survival, mimicry, and ecological significance.
A newly emerged Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), a Monarch mimic.
At first glance, the viceroy is nearly indistinguishable from a monarch. The main distinguishing feature is a horizontal black band across its hind wings, absent in monarchs. Additionally, viceroys tend to be smaller and have a more fluttery flight pattern compared to the majestic, soaring glide of monarchs.
A Case of Müllerian Mimicry
While monarchs are toxic due to the milkweed they consume as caterpillars, viceroys were once thought to practice Batesian mimicry—appearing similar but lacking chemical defenses. However, studies have revealed that viceroys are just as unpalatable to predators, making this a case of Müllerian mimicry, where both species benefit from their shared warning signals.
The viceroy and monarch butterflies share striking similarities, but they also have important differences in appearance, behavior, and ecological strategies.
Habitat and Range
Viceroys are widely distributed across North America, favoring wetlands, lakeshores, and damp areas where willows and poplars—essential host plants for their caterpillars—thrive. Unlike monarchs, viceroys do not migrate long distances but remain within their local ecosystems year-round, overwintering as caterpillars wrapped in leaves.
The viceroy ranges through most of the contiguous United States as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. The westernmost portion of its range extends from the Northwest Territories along the eastern edges of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains, southward into central Mexico. Its easternmost range extends along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America from Nova Scotia into Texas.
Lifecycle
Stage 1: Egg
Female viceroys lay their eggs on the leaves of willow, poplar, or cottonwood trees—plants essential for their caterpillars’ development. The eggs are tiny, round, and pale greenish-yellow, typically placed on the tips of leaves to minimize predation. Within a few days to a week, the eggs hatch into caterpillars.
The egg of the viceroy butterfly is typically laid singly on the tip of a host plant leaf. It is small, spherical, and pale green, often resembling a tiny bead.
Stage 2: Larva (Caterpillar)
Newly hatched viceroy caterpillars are small and resemble bird droppings—an incredible form of disguise that deters predators. As they grow, they develop a spiny, mottled brown-and-white appearance, helping them blend in with their host plant.
This young caterpillar has made a hibernaculum by folding a leaf over and securing it with silk.
The caterpillar undergoes multiple molts as it feeds on leaves, growing larger before preparing for pupation. However, if winter is approaching, the caterpillar enters diapause, a dormant state, by rolling itself inside a leaf and securing it with silk. This protective structure allows it to survive freezing temperatures until warmer conditions return.
Viceroy Butterly (Limenitis archippus) larva brown form on Peach-leaf Willow, Wheatley, Ontario, Canada.
Stage 3: Pupa (Chrysalis)
In spring, the overwintered caterpillar resumes feeding for a short time before forming a chrysalis. The pupa is well-camouflaged, resembling a dried leaf, further protecting it from predators. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes an incredible transformation, reorganizing its body into a winged butterfly.
The pupa of the Viceroy is a master of disguise. It resembles a bird dropping, an effective camouflage strategy that helps deter predators.
Stage 4: Adult Butterfly
After about 10–14 days, the adult viceroy butterfly emerges. Initially, its wings are soft and crumpled, but within hours, they expand and harden. The adult immediately begins its search for nectar-rich flowers, mates, and suitable host plants to lay eggs.
As adults, viceroys primarily feed on nectar from various flowering plants, including milkweed, asters, and goldenrod. They are also known to sip moisture and minerals from damp soil and animal feces, a behavior called “puddling,” which helps them obtain essential nutrients for reproduction.
Animal poop is full of all kinds of helpful nutrients, which viceroys will feast upon when given the chance.
The viceroy butterfly relies on plants in the willow family (Salicaceae) as host plants for its caterpillars. Some key species include: Willows (Salix spp.)– A primary host, providing both food and shelter. Cottonwoods (Populus spp.) – Another essential larval food source. Aspens (Populus tremuloides) – Supports caterpillar development. Poplar (Populus spp.) – Also used as host plants.
These plants not only nourish viceroy caterpillars but also contribute to their chemical defenses, making them unpalatable to predators.
Conclusion
The viceroy butterfly stands as a testament to the intricate strategies of survival in the natural world. While often overshadowed by its monarch counterpart, its role in mimicry science and ecological balance deserves equal admiration. Whether fluttering through a summer meadow or perched delicately on a wildflower, the viceroy embodies nature’s brilliance in adaptation.
