Raising Monarchs - Artificial Milkweed Diet (Help The Monarch Butterfly)

What happens when your milkweed starts to diminish for the season, but you also still have hungry caterpillar mouths to feed? We hope to never be in such a situation, and the best way to avoid it is to be conservative in how many later season eggs/caterpillars we take in. Still, this situation can arise and one possible option is to have some "artificial" milkweed diet ready to bail you (and them) out. This episode shows the preparation of the artificial milkweed diet, along with its use on six Monarchs from egg to released adults.
If you are new to this series, I highly recommend checking out the "core" of Raising Monarchs, Parts 1 - 5, which shows in detail, how I raise Monarchs from egg to adult, and how you can too with essentially zero cost using household items.
Start here!
Raising Monarchs Instructional Video Series Parts 1 - 5:
• Raising Monarchs Part ...
Outdoor rearing example:
"Outdoor Rearing" - • Raising Monarchs - Out...
Discussion of the University of Chicago study:
"Captive Rearing And Migration" - • Raising Monarchs - Cap...
Issues that can occur with the chrysalis:
"Chrysalis Issues" - • Raising Monarchs - Chr...
How to bleach treat eggs:
"OE Parasite Prevention" - • Raising Monarchs - OE ...
How to bleach treat leaves:
"Preventing NPV and Other Infections" - • Raising Monarchs - Pre...
How to make a proper honey/water solution and feed adult Monarchs (or any butterfly):
"How To Feed Adults" - • Raising Monarchs - How...
Options for when an adult can not successfully fly:
"When Adults Can't Fly" - • Raising Monarchs - Whe...
What the experts have to say about OE Parasites and when to euthanize:
"Should We Euthanize?" - • Raising Monarchs - Sho...
Discussion on the life cycle of OE Parasites and how they affect the Monarch Butterflies:
"What Are OE Parasites?" - • Raising Monarchs - Wha...

[@I.Am.Dragun87]

I raise a lot of monarchs and find your videos very helpful. I'm twelve and last year I raised and released 86 monarchs last years.

[@daisycate]

Aviana Dragun 😮

[@MrLundScience]

Very awesome to have you on board! Thank you for already having an interest in helping out your environment! We need more like you. Keep it up!

[@Romans15.32]

Omgosh.......Wow! Good for you.

[@cbohm5]

Amazing! Great job!

[@1LetterLove]

Wow! That’s awesome Aviana! I’m just starting and I hope to be successful as you😀

[@AbHAT22]

I raised a lot of Monarchs this year and last year. 100% of that knowledge was acquired watching your videos.

[@MrLundScience]

Very cool! I'm happy the information was able to help out!

[@martystevens2313]

Milkweed stems will grow new leaves when placed in water. I have one on my windowsill that i was using to feed my caterpillars. I used up all the leaves and forgot to take the bare stem out of the vase. It now has 2 stems sprouting out of it with 2 small leaves on each stem.

[@franboutwell8810]

I'll try that, Thank you!

[@GeekyGoodies]

Everything I know about the Monarch butterfly, I have learned from you 🦋 Thank you.

[@anafindlay1696]

Me too!!🦋🦋

[@daisycate]

Me too I am so grateful I have tagged ninety nine this year and spread the joy and excitement to even more

[@debsievert4766]

Same here!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MrLundScience]

You're definitely welcome. I have only gratitude for those who use the information. I know the work it entails, so thank you for putting in that effort!

[@tylermack9248]

Now I’ve raised monarchs for 10 years now and here’s a food solution for last instar caterpillars: Watermelon. Note this does not work for any other instars. The last instar caterpillars will eat this before going to pupate for a little extra food

[@daisycate]

The TGT Gaming Experience that is nuts and fascinating

[@kellyroushar6475]

Mr. lund, I've watched many of your very helpful videos and maybe I've missed one you did on cutting the leafless milkweed stalks to quickly re-up your food supply. I usually cut them into about 3" cuttings. It's important to make sure where you cut them. They have sort of bamboo sections. You need to make sure you cut every section just about a 1/2" above the section. That is where the new leaves will sprout 🌱. Just stick it right in the ground. As soon as the caterpillars eats all the leaves from one stalk cut it down low and start sectioning that one too. I've found this to be a great way to have a continuous and staggered food source. I hope I've explained myself well enough. Good luck to all the Mother and Father's of the beautiful Monarch.

[@briancaleb6503]

Love that! I raise some milk weed indoor through winter and freeze leaves between paper towels as it gets over sized, then in a slider bag, recently unthawed it like 15 minutes, they have eaten it no problem. They recognized it pretty fast even after eating fresh leaves. This is great though you raised all the way to adults on the artificial mix. Really enjoyed that!

[@daisycate]

Brian Caleb thank you that is so useful

[@cjcj8730]

Brian Caleb, the growing of the MW indoor and freezing leaves seems like a great idea! Please educate me: what is a "slider bag"? Thanks!

[@bethmorano1452]

Cj Cj it’s a plastic storage bag with a zip lock top would be my guess.

[@MrLundScience]

That's a very, very awesome idea! Thanks for the tip! Where did you come across that idea, or is it a Brian Caleb original? Very cool!

[@briancaleb6503]

@@MrLundScience Thank you! The freezing part I actually found this some place on line. Growing them over winter my idea, the Tropicals as well as milk weed trees you can keep in just water for a long time many will root and be replanted, the Tropicals will even bloom during winter. On the Milk weed tree I found you can take 2 1/2 - 3 inches of stem push part of it in the ground "I mix in some potting soil with the natural" in spring and most will root and make nice sized plants with in a few months. I have a cool tip on Aphids works on stems a dampened folded paper towel will wipe those things right off. And you can use the ends to get them off leaves to.

[@raineedunham7995]

Thank you for sharing this valuable info! I didn't even know a substance like this existed! Great to know that it is there in a pinch! I loved being able to see the same caterpillars at all of their stages and of course the tagged release! I hope that you get info about them back! Thanks for all that you do for the Monarchs and for us!

[@MrLundScience]

Fingers are always crossed, of course, but tag recovery is less than 1%. Here's hoping!

[@susansmith6680]

At least there is an alternative food. Thanks for your research.

[@MrLundScience]

Very welcome. Happy to supply it!

[@tameleeyoung831]

This will be my 3rd season of raising monarchs. I raised monarchs at my library and the patrons loved them. We even gave caterpillars to families to raise and I always send them to your channel. Your channel is one of the most informative and helpful channels. Thank you for everything

[@EatY0urTV]

man this was an awesome video! THANK YOU!

[@jewelvibes6765]

Very helpful! I’m subscribed!

[@lindasnyder2292]

Thank you so much for your videos and educating people raising monarchs. I have been raising monarchs for seven years and still learned something today. I have 2 adult monarchs that cannot fly and your video on what to do was a big help to me. I will probably continue to feed them and keep them safe but will think about returning them to nature.

[@maestroinabox]

I have learned so much. We have the first 5th instar today!!!

[@debbiesirota8284]

Last winter I propagated my milkweed seeds in distilled water jugs and waited to put the plants either in the ground or pots as well planted plants later

[@michaelhutchinson9289]

Great video Rich, might pick some Up just incase.

[@MrLundScience]

Thanks. Glad that you found it helpful!

[@portiaholliday8741]

Keep planting Milkweed no matter when. Milkweed needs sunlight to germinate. I planted some too deeply before I found this out. Another thing is to plant Milkweed back from pathways bc rain storms make it lean. My Swamp Milkweed, SM, is abundantly covered w/ yellow Milkweed aphids and I expect this. I have read that they provide protein for the caterpillars, cats. The most important thing is that almost all of my SM have lots of cats!

[@MrLundScience]

When aphids are on my milkweed, what I've observed is that they will eventually bring the ants, especially the larger ones. They are attracted to the sugar rich secretions of the aphids, and the ants will gobble up an egg or young enough caterpillar, and deter the adults from visiting the plant. If you haven't experienced this, then that's definitely fortunate! I wish you a continued winning streak!

[@portiaholliday8741]

@@MrLundScience It's so late in the season when the aphids come that it's probably a divine shut off:-

[@MrLundScience]

For myself, the aphids show up pretty much two weeks or so after the stalks are up. They don't hesitate here in Michigan.

[@portiaholliday8741]

@@MrLundScience Oh the aphids come in mass at the tail end here:-) One lil cat was practice hanging:-) He is on the Swamp Milkweed, SM, just to the left of my front door. I have some SM growing down in the metal bow to the basement window and it's been eaten:-) Mom and I are watching Dorian in NC. I sure hope those Monarchs had a plan. I wonder how much foresight they had.

[@jodylinda26]

loved your video...thanks for the info

[@kinglyzard]

2:50 Plant fennel, dill and Parsley and let them bloom. The flowers will attract Syrphid flies, whose larvae are ravenous on aphids. Attracts Swallowtails too. Fleabane will attract Syrphids as well, but not Swallowtails.

[@lorenarossi5637]

Thank you Very interesting as usual!!

[@MrLundScience]

Glad to supply it. Thank you for taking an interest in helping them!

[@ozone2943]

Oh crap now I'll get started

[@susanleger303]

I've learned so much from watching your video's!!! Thank you for all that you do. I ran out of milkweed and used butternut squash. I haven't heard you recommend this, but it worked for my group! (feedback welcome) One was in 1st instar and the others were 2nd & 3rd. They are all doing well. I released 1 of the 6 today October 15th. I ended up keeping 6 of the cats for raising and for my grand kids and I to experience. I delivered 19 to our local "Urban Naturalist" He had an abundant of milkweed for them to feast on. Again thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Susan ~ Louisiana

[@MrLundScience]

Very, very cool! Glad I could be helpful! Awesome job!

[@theresadurrett1982]

Thanks for all your advice

[@jacobakors3413]

My 3rd & 4th Instars gobble up butternut squash if i run low on milkweed ,I love watching your videos , I have learned a lot and am in my 2nd year of raising monarchs , keep up the good work !!!

[@macrinawaterbury8420]

I know this is several years old, but please don't feed your caterpillars squash. It doesn't provide the right nutrients and it often leads to unhealthy butterflies.

[@freebutterfly102]

🦋🦋🦋 Wonderful Video. Thank you for sharing!

[@rachaelpeterson1767]

Had no idea artificial milkweed existed. I had more eggs on my milkweed than anticipated this year and ran out of milkweed about 3 weeks ago. My neighbor had some milkweed in her yard so I asked if I could use it. My catapillers started getting sick after eating hers. All were healthy fed on my milkweed. I even bleach treated it like mine. Sadly, I am have had a lot of loses the past few weeks😞. No doubt in my mind, it has something to do with my neighbors milkweed. I really could have used this video earlier. Thanks Rich, for the video.

[@daisycate]

rachael peterson boy how heartbreaking

[@stecase]

Your neighbor's milkweed maybe was spray with bug killer..

[@MrLundScience]

Sorry that it hadn't come out earlier, but possibly a reserve option for next year. Still, if possible, another way to stave off the issues is (you know what I'm going to say, right?) plant more milkweed! If I ever were in a pinch, while I'd use this, I know that what I'd want to do is record when my milkweed sources aren't up to par anymore, and try to get some more milkweed for next year. Then, I'd be able to tweak an "end date" for when and how many eggs/caterpillars I take in. But yes, this seems like something good to have just in case.

[@missanna208802]

If they are just going dormant and it's not a pest issue: Step 2: snip off seed pods/flowers of some plants and pinch the tops. Like cutting plants back, this can sometimes trick plants into "thinking" they are not done growing for the season. Step 1: keep plants warmer and/or extend the day length. If shorter days trigger dormancy in Asclepias species, then using a bright outdoor light from early evening to a few hours after sunset could slow that process. (Or it could come on before daybreak). If it is cold, then covering them with a blanket at night or constructing a simple pvc and painter's plastic cold frame can keep a bit of the chill off. (Greenhouse megastore sells pvc clamps in 4 foot lengths that are easily cut for a very good price. These hold the plastic to the pvc). I don't know if it is photoperiod or temperature that triggers dormancy, but since I work in a university greenhouse and have some speciosa seedlings, I could test the photoperiod hypothesis out this winter indoors. It would be a fun little quasi experiment. If I do it, I will let you know. Of course one could also theoretically keep some in pots which could even be sunk in the ground and then pulled up and taken indoors at night if needed. It might also be possible to set up some kind of microgreens situation if you had enough seeds. I've had ones that were not cold stratified germinate pretty fast, though I dont know if they would have all the proper nutrients and chemicals.

This is a very valuable information Thank for sharing !👍😀 By the way you should get some better forceps like those they use in eye surgery.

[@rachaelpeterson1767]

It has been windy here in Minnesota too. It must be from hurricane Dorian.

[@lmnopopsicle]

Hello! First timer here. Only had 3 successful releases so far this year and im proud of that. You mentioned testing your monarchs for OE...how does one go about that? Also, the little stickers you have on them....is there a video that discusses this?

[@Sepy_99]

lol. I loved this vid i found it very helpful. From these past years i have been saving caterpillars. My mom has a face book club for monarch caterpillars.

[@ryanyarbrough1343]

Interesting video. I currently have two 5th instar Monarchs left that I rescued within several days of each other. I took pity on them. Currently it's 44 degrees here in Dallas. 99% of the milkweed is now gone due to two back to back freezes we had last week on Halloween (otherwise there would still be some milkweed left). I found that seedpods are another good source if milkweed leaves are hard to come by and can last a caterpillar several days.

[@MrLundScience]

I harvested some milkweed pods recently. An experiment with them is planned for the spring to find out a bit more on successful germination. Looking forward to it.

[@noneya11]

Thank you! ❤

[@tracimiller3192]

Hi MrLundScience! I just binge watched all your videos. I used to raise monarchs in upstate NY every fall when I was a kid. I moved to Seattle for 16 years, where monarchs don't live. Then, in Sept. 2019 I moved to Hawaii. I was flabbergasted to see Monarchs here in Hawaii, and remembered how to raise them. Apparently the ones here eat crownflower, a similar plant to milkweed, and they do not migrate. They may even breed all year - I'm trying to figure it all out. They all seem to have a quick turn around from emerging from the chrysalis, to drying wings, to flying - perhaps the heat? I also was wondering what do you do when a butterfly emerges and falls off the chrysalis? That happened to me today, and she ended up ok but it startled me! Thank you for all the info!

[@MrLundScience]

Wow. Thanks for those words. I don't always think I'm a binge worthy kind of guy. When it comes to time of drying the wings and feeling comfortable enough for flight, certainly heat is a factor. But also, as the point of it is drying, humidity would be more of a factor as long as we're not dealing with cool temperatures. Both influence how quickly the wings will dry, but humidity would matter more. There have been times where I've had some Monarchs fall in the way you speak of. It hasn't been often, but often enough, and something I've wanted to correct this coming season, exploring options. And I'm looking to do it in a way that advertises the idea of enjoying the hobby, but not in ways that necessarily maximize numbers, but with more of a focus of improving habitat and planting milkweed. That's where I hope to steer the message moving forward. Unfortunately, though, if a Monarch falls during this vulnerable time, it can cause problems for sure. To prevent it, you can designate a container that is specific for relocating the chrysalis so that the adult can emerge. These set ups should have much surface area so that if an adult falls, it can be able to get a grip on surfaces and be able to climb to a hanging/wing drying position. The outdoor rearing habitats explored here ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpuomIhmisdonrs ) shows one option later in the video, around 18:00. Good luck!

[@Mrs.marenholz]

After you release this video i decided to buy some. Just in case!! Today i went outside where i have my milkweed and is gone. No one leave and i found 7 little tiny caterpillars just out the egg 🥚 in a remote plant. So, today im starting the artificial feeding. I hope they it this because there is nothing around.

[@MrLundScience]

I hope it's working out for you. They went for it with me, but from what I've now heard having released this video, they are sometimes finicky and will not always go for it. I may have gotten lucky.

[@chelsealeonard6264]

Thank you

[@MrLundScience]

Very welcome!

[@sandragiordano6492]

The best way to have a good stock of fresh milkweed is to plant seeds once a month. Seeds for milkweed are available at on line seed companies. Cut back the stalks of eaten milkweed and it will regenerate with sprouts.

[@sennstrato7281]

Cool,thx.

[@MrLundScience]

Welcome!

[@kinglyzard]

I have heard that Monarchs will eat pumpkin in a pinch as well, though Milkweed and its intrinsic toxins are best.

[@DMSATL]

Cool. For those that are able to supplement with actual milkweed, have there been studies that look at the effects to the caterpillars, if any, of eating a diet of mixed milkweeds - egg laid on common milkweed that the first instar begins life eating, but when brought in is fed the leaves of a different milkweed variety like swamp milkweed?

[@susan88888888able]

I used some of your advice, but I use a plant to raise them on in the netted enclosures. they seem happier to me. I had the hatchling escape those plastic to go containers. And decided to put the eggs in a plant since. Their life is half lived as a caterpillar. They have no issues going right on the plant.

[@biancabee5832]

You have to always keep the container inside an enclosure, they will get away especially if they don't like the food or conditions inside the container.

[@care7663]

When watering the garden, if I notice a lot of aphids, ill just spray them off. But for bringing milkweed in that has bugs on it I usually bring the milkweed in & rinse all the bugs off in the sink. But I usually only deal with aphids & ants... nothing that really does much damage.

[@kyrinabluerose6777]

I was so excited this was an option since invariably there are more eggs than milkweed here. I found only one supplier and my mixture is peach in color and fragrance. The tag on the bag specifically said monarch. Putting it in my box for 1 - 3 instars, nobody would eat it and immediately crawled away from it. Today I put every little 1 on it and all the newly hatched. Of 30 teeny little 1's, who have never tasted actual milkweed, not one is eating it and they are circling the container. Any suggestions? Also where did your green bad smelling stuff come from? I could only find one supplier. 138 releases so far, 84 chrysalides, and dozens of cats in the pipeline. Thanks again for your generous teaching! PS "fly and be free" is great to say upon release but sometimes I like to sing "you can fly" chorus from Peter Pan.🤪

[@bebestchannel9745]

Can you tell me the name of the supplier? I need to buy some. Did the monarch caterpillars eat it ? Thank you

[@MidwestHome_Hens]

getting the poop out of there must be a huge chore!I have my cats on stalks (cuttings) in tall vases so the frass falls to the enclosure floor and i use a handheld stick vacuum to clean it up a couple times a day. I can’t imagine how that is enough for 5th instars after observing them decimate an entire large common milkweed leaf 😳😳

[@lirg123]

I know it's a bit late, but rumors has it, the studies, that the type of milkweed has an effect on the growth of the monarch. So it's best to make your own concrete.

[@jeffrexue9746]

I had this idea, where you make paper from milkweed scraps, and come feeding time, you moisten the paper. Do you think this could work?

[@emh6021]

Whoa. I had no idea that artificial stuff existed. Mind blown.

[@MrLundScience]

Looks like a cool option, though hopefully, not one that would be needed often.

[@pollyhorlander7389]

They’re so cute!

[@joannmaciorowski8386]

I learn something every year! Good info. But it's interesting...when I monkey with my caterpillars they freeze and play dead. Your's just keep moving!😀

[@meadowsoprano2315]

There's so many wasps around I have to have potted plants and once I get eggs on them I have to bring my plants inside, otherwise I would never a have a single caterpillar..

[@Buster--]

I found a 3rd instar on one of my plumerias. It had eaten a good portion of a large leaf. Made me wonder what other plants they may be able to eat. I did move him to one of my milkweed plants. This seems like a good option. Pug life!

[@stecase]

Craig, Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed, and the butterfly will only lay eggs on milkweed. Without this plant there will be no Monarchs.

[@Buster--]

Maria, it happened, little guy grew very large on the plumeria leaf. It might be possible that butterflies could lay an egg or two on something other than milkweed.

[@Mrs.marenholz]

Maybe a different insect( butterfly) no monarch.

[@brucegomezcc1487]

@@Buster-- Please don't feed Monarchs anything that isn't milkweed because it isn't just a plant. The caterpillars inject the toxins from in the milkweed and these toxins provide Monarchs a defense mechanism and makes them toxic to predators. So if you feed them anything else than Milkweed, you're already threatening their lives. If it wasn't laid on Milkweed it most likely wasn't a Monarch as Monarchs only lay eggs and are attracted to only milkweed.

[@diegojordanobarbudo8304]

@@stecase I'm sorry but that isn't exact. Danaus plexippus can eat some species belonging to the Apocinaceae family, wich is related to Asclepiadaceae. Both share similar toxic secondary metabolites. For example, in Spain Monarch butterflies mainly use Asclepias curassavica and Gomphocarpus fruticosus, but I have observed eggs laid on Cynanchum acutum (Apocynaceae), on which the larvae can develop to pupae. Danaus chrysippus uses this species as a host plant in east Spain near the mediterranean coast. D. plexippus can lay eggs and the larvae can fed on Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae). You can easily find scientific papers on this subject.

[@lily1495]

On our deck I have a Swamp Milkweed plant that had just recently sprouted and I had it in a pot and a few months later two next year or whenever it was big enough I would get some monarch caterpillars. But one day after getting it I found two monarch caterpillars on it. One in its third in-star and one in its second. Our area has no other milkweed in the area to release them too and the plant only has ~20 leaves on it. I am really worried it will run out and the caterpillars will starve. Is their anything else I could try? I have heard butternut squash is good for the fifth in star.

[@justacloud3374]

Would you ever say this before releasing them? "fly and be free My pretties! fly on!"

[@MrLundScience]

I wouldn't be against it. I'm a fan of both the book and the film. It could happen.

[@jenniferatterton1587]

I had an abundance of Monarchs here in Australia recently. 10 emerged one day and a couple of days later 7 and there were many caterpillars. I have a large tree of milkweed under my huge Frangipani tree but they still ran out of food. I didn't know you could get artificial milkweed. Is it available in Australia? I've had to resort to butternut pumpkin which the larger caterpillars took to very well. I know if smaller ones eat this there can be deformities, but apparently, if they are near pupation the butternut pumpkin is okay. What are your thoughts on this MrLund?

[@mary-kaitlinkent7112]

***QUESTION*** Hi Rich! The variety of artificial milkweed diet that I have instructs that once the diet mix has been removed from the refrigerator, then it needs to be kept at above room temperature (78-80F). This will obviously require outdoor rearing, which is not something I was wanting to do. So, I was hoping you could offer some advice on whether or not I can use the artificial mix indoors (@72(ish)F)? Thanks :)

[@MrLundScience]

Greetings Mary! I'm sorry, but as I don't know the product, I would definitely default to that product's instructions rather than my word on it. I do not know the ins and outs (and ingredients) of what artificial diets are out there, so can't really comment on them. I just know that there was a period of a few years where I didn't know about this stuff, so I wanted to try it out and see what success I'd have, and offer up this as an option for any who didn't know about it. Sorry that I can't be more helpful!

[@sheilajames2960]

Where do you get the containers you use?

[@shyskye9254]

Hi, what do you think of the outdoor yard treatment called Wondercide that is sold on Amazon? It says it does not harm butterflies?

[@MrLundScience]

My thoughts are that this is the first time I've heard of Wondercide. I don't use chemical treatments in my yard, other than perhaps fertilizer that already comes in potting soil. Sorry that I do not know this product.

[@NoNORADon911]

I can't grow more than tiny milkweed plants (from seed) before they are eaten to stems. I am in central Florida.

[@Romans15.32]

Very good video. Hope I never have to use artificial milkweed. 🙂

[@MrLundScience]

I still have the other half of the mix. Hopefully it can just stay in the freezer.

[@Romans15.32]

@@MrLundScience I was commercial food service for years. Double wrap in 2 freezer bags getting every bit of air you can out of it. It will last long. I'm thinking what might change after a long period is flavor.

[@ramelle4938]

Will a caterpillar 'switch' to another type of milkweed? My common milkweed is not so great but I have a ton of 'whorled' that's propagated everywhere.

[@tinay.weaver5766]

Completely off topic, but wanted to ask. I found a chrysalis the other day, it looks similar to a monarch's but it's mostly black and it's nowhere near milkweed. Found it behind some ferns on my shed edge. Do you know what it could be?

[@MrLundScience]

Sorry for the delay in response. The start of the school year has taken over for a bit. We could say "better late than never," but I actually don't have much of an answer. I'm not sure what the chrysalis described would be, but also, after the Monarch, Eastern Black Swallowtail, and Viceroy, I kind of tap out with knowledge of other species of butterflies.

[@JeremyB8419]

This is an “aside”, but I’ve realized this year trying to raise monarchs, that forgoing pesticide has left me with a wood roach pandemic lol. Suckers are everywhere.

[@JeremyB8419]

Oh, but on the positive, I hear the crickets and grasshoppers for the first time in 4 years, which is nice in the evening. Like being out in the woods.

[@MrLundScience]

Sorry to hear that. With my milkweed patch, I just let nature do its thing. It's my "wild" area of the yard.

[@dorothyharrington7791]

I used to use cucumbers when I ran out of milkweed and they did eat them

[@gcxred4kat9]

Hey MrLund, someone below replied that last instars will eat watermelon. You should check that out for us!

[@MrLundScience]

Using such alternatives foods is a hot topic in the Monarch hobbyist world, and by hot topic, I mean controversial. I've seen some experts say that such food items, such as watermelon, cucumbers, squash, etc. (which from what people say, the caterpillars sometimes eat with varying degrees of enthusiasm) is no real problem or concern, and I've also read about experts saying that it's a risky unknown and shouldn't be used, as it's not their natural diet. So, I shall remain neutral on this one, I think. In a true pinch with no other alternatives, hey, I too would prefer they eat something rather than starve (or just remain less developed when going into chrysalis) but I don't know that I'll be exploring this in a video format. I was somewhat considering not making this particular video, as I wouldn't want to present this information and have someone decide that this would be a consistent used item for them. Actual milkweed would always be the best option. But, in a pinch, as this is mostly actual milkweed and contains specific nutrients the caterpillars need, this is, from what I can tell, the best alternative option.

[@brucegomezcc1487]

You can use watermelon only if it's for an emergency. See, Milkweed isn't just a plant but as the caterpillars eat the milkweed, they inject the toxins from inside the Milkweed, thus making them poisonous to predators. Feeding Monarchs anything other than milkweed threatens their lives as they won't have a defense.

[@Bitsy1960]

What about freezing the leaves?

[@fattyuka31]

I have seen videos of monarch caterpillars eating cucumber, pumpkin and squash. Could that also be used as a substitute

[@brucegomezcc1487]

It's not recommended because feeding them anything other than Milkweed or like this artificial milkweed, it has milkweed as it's main ingredient can really put them in danger. Milkweed gives Monarchs the necessary nutrients needed to grow into a strong butterfly, and also gives them a defense mechanism and feeding them anything else threatens their lives.

[@willyschannel_]

I have a greenhouse where I put all my monarchs and some other species so I don’t have an end date

[@lorenarossi5637]

Oh and refrigerate any extra green leaves

[@saltlifegull4091]

How come my milkweed leaves don't look anything like yours? They're long, thin.

[@jenerichsen8301]

we are raising about 50 butterflies right now.

[@MissisChannel]

dish soap. create a large circle on tarp good distance from the plant....create a circle hedge of dish soap it will harden some as it dries. ants hate dish soap as it will remove the waterproof of them. They will not want to cross the dish soap circle.

[@micahsadoy1360]

Have your tried picking and then freezing milkweed for later?

[@pcalk]

I'm in Berkeley, California. I have Monarchs at every stage right now. When should I quit caring for these critters? Should I have quit already?

[@MrLundScience]

That is up to the individual, and what location is being described. If Monarchs in your area should naturally have already migrated, that's when I'd decide not to take in more. You may need to look up when Monarchs are naturally in season in your local area.

[@nancymcmonarch]

Don't toss those stems! Once all the leaves have been chomped, you can scrape some of the hard/rubbery outer skin off the stems and the caterpillars will gnaw away at the softer part inside. (Some o the larger caterpillars even choose the old stems over fresh cuttings--go figure!) It's important, too to serve up milkweed cuttings in floral tubes filled with water. The cuttings take up a LOT of water, and stay fresher much longer than than leaves drying out on the bottom of the cage. The artificial stuff might be OK in an emergency, but it looks sketchy to me. I'd question whether it really has all the nutrients and protective alkaloids that the monarchs get from real milkweed. (They might fly away all right, but when the time comes, can they breed? Will their offspring be healthy?) I can't help thinking too that the very act of gnawing on real leaves and stems provides some benefit we may not even be aware of that the caterpillars won't get by eating mushy pablum. Tells me everything I need to know that late-instar cats who started out eating real milkweed won't go near the fake stuff.

[@harrymyhero]

It looks like dried powdered milkweed. Is that what it is?

[@MrLundScience]

That appears to be the major ingredient. There are other nutrients added specific to the Monarch's requirements. The instructions don't go into severe detail, however, and I'd imagine that's to not disclose too much to competitors wishing to get their recipe.

[@juanchgames_yt]

How did u got the artificial diet? It can be DIY or is necessary to buy it?

[@Romans15.32]

Hr bought the powder and said he is not endorsing any brand

[@pamagujar183]

Great educational video! Well done. 6 out of 6 is outstanding! There's one question that's staying on my mind: Is there any way to test their level of cardioglycosides? (The stuff that makes them too bitter for any predator to ingest) But, again, thanks for the time and effort in producing a much needed video.

[@MrLundScience]

If you search online "Artificial Milkweed Diet", you will be able to find available sources. I did not make this, nor do I recommend someone making it on their own without more education on how to, and that would be education I don't have.

[@MrLundScience]

Ha ha...the only method that comes to mind for me is gruesome. Tasting them and rating it. Of course, that's nothing I'm recommending or would ever do. Still, I would think that any way to analyze that, be it at home or otherwise, would require lab equipment I don't have access to, and likely, death of the butterfly.

[@juanchgames_yt]

@@MrLundScience o, ok by the way, interesting video :D

[@susanpolanski4528]

The biggest question is, how much milkweed do you need to feed any one caterpillar from egg to chrysalis? If we could guestimate that amount, we could know better how to prepare.

[@MrLundScience]

There's a "general rule" out there that one milkweed plant's leaves could feed 2 Monarchs from egg to chrysalis. However, since the various milkweed plants are all different species, and within the same species, there's variation in size, how well this general rule works out from plant to plant, species to species, I'm not sure. For adult sized Common Milkweed plants, it's probably pretty close to true, from my experience.

[@debsievert4766]

How do you clean the frass off the artificial MW paste?

[@MrLundScience]

The frass never is pushed into the diet, so it can be removed by hand if needed. What I found in doing this is that since the artificial milkweed can dry out, often it made sense to simply empty it all at once, frass and uneaten dried food. Moistening the food somewhat helps "bring it back", but even then, as they eat from it and the pieces get smaller, they dry out quicker.

[@debsievert4766]

Fascinating! We are at our cabin in northern Wisconsin right now. I’ve been bringing cats and chrysalides up here every weekend. The one last chrysalis is here! Enclosing tomorrow. It’s #73! For our first year, so happy!! Thanks for all you do. Have a GREAT school year, Mr. Rich Lund! You rock!

[@MrLundScience]

Much appreciated.

[@Mikey-to6sz]

This year I really didn’t find any and I have over 20 or 30 milkweed plants in my backyard and barely found any and I find 1 it’s gone the next day and I only freed like 3 this year.I have 1 left and trying to take care of it also over the years more and more ants and wasps keep coming over to the milkweed I’m guessing they are eating all the catipillars

[@MrLundScience]

Sorry to hear that you didn't have many. It can be spotty from year to year. I had a year where I only found 26 or so the entire season. Meanwhile, a friend of mine only about 10 miles north of me found more than she normally does. Then, another year, I reared over 200, and she had found zero in her large patch of milkweed. It can be like that, unfortunately.

[@Mikey-to6sz]

MrLundScience right know I am raising 1 and he/she is j hanging right now

[@jenlamont8339]

Off topic but I wanted to ask about introducing ladybugs to my yard due to a scale & aphid problem. I have lots of Monarch Caterpillars & eggs on my Milkweed. I know the ladybugs & their larvae do a terrific job with aphids (unsure about scale) but will they also be eating up my tiny caterpillars &/or the eggs too?

[@MrLundScience]

Ladybugs will indeed eat Monarch eggs and small caterpillars. And once the aphids are gone, the ladybugs are still present. Fair warning.

[@auvilee9462]

I want to raise monarchs but my parents say no what can I do then?

[@MrLundScience]

If your goal is to help out the Monarchs, you could ask your parents if it's okay to grow some milkweed for them. If you have a yard, that's the best place to start. Good luck!

[@Wendys_World]

I have heard they can eat cucumber, watermelon, butternut squash, or pumpkin. Have you tried any of those? I had monarch caterpillars eat my milkweed bare. I gave them cucumber slices on a stick and they ate it overnight until I could get to a nursery in the morning and buy more Milkweed.

[@brucegomezcc1487]

It's not recommended because feeding them anything other than Milkweed or like this artificial milkweed, it has milkweed as it's main ingredient can really put them in danger. Milkweed gives Monarchs the necessary nutrients needed to grow into a strong butterfly, and also gives them a defense mechanism and feeding them anything else threatens their lives.

[@EatY0urTV]

I'm in Florida, so we have different types of milkweed, BUT!!! Cant you just put your milkweed clippings in mud so they stay alive and still provide food for your caterpillars? That's what I do here and it works here

[@Emunah13819]

Ladybugs eat aphids. Cheyenne powder and orange peel keeps ants away, and roaches hate basil.

[@donnasaverino8949]

Can you at least tell us just what it is!? What is it made of?

[@MrLundScience]

I can only relay what the instructions had to say about its contents, which is that it's mostly a dried milkweed product, with other nutrients that are specific to the Monarch's needs. They don't get that in depth, and I'd imagine that's due to not wanting to give away the recipe to potential competitors.

[@sean2val]

they are not pests they are the natural order of things

[@johnifly]

Hi Rich! John U. from "Monarchs and Milkweed here! Remember me? Just wanted you to know that my members STILL comment on how good your videos are! Check this out: Reeta Piazza yesss! Oh they're beautiful! Go to Mr Lund Science on KZbin....his videos are soooo helpful getting started! Another satisfied member! Thanks ALWAYS for the videos you make! They are making a BIG difference! ;-)

[@saltlifegull4091]

Educational Science has it for $12, but they're charging $17 for shipping! Geeze, outrageous.

[@lr2714]

Are you still here??😪

[@robynfyfe9755]

Lady bugs

[@lorenarossi5637]

3rd stage caterpillars eat cucumbers!!!:)

[@m98donahue]

Not recommended, though, nor butternut squash. It may temporarily fill their tummy, but it provides none of the nutrients they will need to form a successful butterfly.

[@brucegomezcc1487]

Please don't feed them anything other than Milkweed or like this artificial milkweed, it has milkweed as it's main ingredient. Milkweed gives Monarchs the necessary nutrients needed to grow into a strong butterfly, and also gives them a defense mechanism and feeding them anything else threatens their lives.