Great News if You See This Caterpillar in Your Garden

It's time for Hudson Valley, NY gardeners to take a look at their yards to see if they have one of New York State's favorite visitors.

Despite the growing number of invasive species (including the awful spongy moth caterpillars that nearly destroyed our oak trees last month), there are still many animals that should be making their homes in our backyards... including a different type of caterpillar that could be a great sign for local wildlife.

The reason for celebration isn't necessarily about the caterpillar in question, but what the caterpillar will later turn into. It's one of the most popular butterfly species in the entire world... and they are sadly dying out.

Identifying a Monarch Caterpillar in New York

The caterpillar, with alternating yellow, black, and white stripes as well as pronounced black antennae, will soon turn into the beloved monarch butterfly. The insect's lifecycle is one of the most demanding and notable experiences in the animal kingdom.

Monarch Butterflies in the Hudson Valley, NY

Monarch butterflies are not only beautiful, but their migration paths make them one of the most impressive animals on the planet. Even though the small insects are fragile enough to be killed by a raindrop, they fly thousands of miles every August from the northern United States and Canada all the way down to Mexico. Luckily, there's an easy way to help boost their population.

Why Milkweed Plants Are Important for Monarch Butterflies

"Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers, but they breed only where milkweeds are found", began a recent Facebook post from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, below). As it turns out, the monarch caterpillars (that will later turn into butterflies) have specific preferences regarding which type of milkweed you plant.

The Best Milkweed Plants for Monarch Butterflies

Out of all the different types of milkweed, the USFWS found that female monarch butterflies USFWS prefer to choose swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) when laying their eggs. Luckily, both species are native to New York State, which means that residents can freely plant them without the worry of negative impacts to the local ecosystem.

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The Lifecycle of Monarch Caterpillars

Monarch caterpillars look different depending on their stage of life. By the time the caterpillars are large enough to snack on milkweed plants, however, they should have began to develop their telltale stripes. Mature caterpillars can be nearly two inches long with vibrant colors and a "plump" body.