How Does Milkweed Help Monarch Butterflies

Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly. Without milkweed, the larva would not be able to develop into a butterfly. … Monarch larvae ,or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.

What is the relationship between milkweed and monarch butterflies?

Milkweed provides the monarch butterflies and their larvae with a unique form of protection. The milkweed plant is poisonous, and the larvae ingest a large amount of the toxic substances found in the plant.

Do monarch butterflies lay eggs on milkweed?

Female monarchs will lay eggs on all nine milkweed species, but they prefer some over others. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) averaged the highest number of eggs.