[Ctleps-l] testing milkweed

Mon Aug 13 13:28:44 EDT 2018

I live in an urban/suburban area around Boston, and here is what I have observed:  All the milkweeds that grow in our tiny yard develop mega populations of aphids, accompanied by attentive ants.  By mid-summer (when I start seeing oviposition) the leaves are covered by a sticky, shiny goo (undoubtedly the result of aphid excretion).  This year we are seeing LOTS of monarchs, and finding lots of eggs laid on these plants that are in terrible condition.  If left alone, we never see larvae.  My suspicion is that 1) they are immediately removed/eaten by marauding ants (or maybe ladybird beetles), and 2) something about the condition of the leaves is not good/tasty/edible.  I have been trying to get them to hatch in a more protected env't, and then giving them healthier-looking leaves.  So far, 1 chrysalis...but many new eggs.  

Maria Aliberti Lubertazzi

-----Original Message-----
From: Donna Lorello <sunny19682 at comcast.net>
To: ctleps-l <ctleps-l at mailman.yale.edu>
Sent: Mon, Aug 13, 2018 1:12 pm
Subject: [Ctleps-l] testing milkweed

Is it possible to take milkweed leaves and have them tested for toxins like chemicals in Roundup? Every single cat I tried raising this year has died.  They are dying at various stages from first instars to emerging adults (eclosing very weak).  I'm worried as my neighbors are OCD users of Roundup, and if this is combining with chemicals in pre-treatments used in the winter and possibly the occurrence of Oe disease.  My garden is street side and I know I am facing relocating it if these hazards are what is causing the monarchs to die like this.

Any help in isolating why I am not seeing any success in having monarchs make it to healthy adulthood would be greatly appreciated.

Donna Lorello
Branford

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