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While I was in Snowbird mode in Snobsdale, AZ, I had one highlight there which didn’t involve IPAs. On a dreary, drizzly Christmas Eve Day, I visited the Butterfly Wonderland.

After paying my senior discount entry fee, volunteers ushered both young and old guests toward a Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) infomercial. There in a cozy theater, we were shown a film about the incredible and complicated life cycle of the iconic Monarch. The documentary offered up lots of knowledge and colorful pictures about those fluttering migrants and their addiction to the lowly milkweed plant. 

It’s really pretty simple. No milkweeds. No Monarchs. Who knew?

Why is that? Jeffy? 

I’ll tell you why, Grasshopper. Adult female Monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweeds. Eventually the emerging Monarch caterpillars will feast upon the milkweed’s green grub. Monarchs require milkweeds for the species to survive. They are the ultimate picky eaters.

Unfortunately, both plant and the beautiful benign butterfly aren’t doing so well.

From the US Fish and Wildlife Service:

The loss of milkweed in agricultural fields is a major cause of decline in monarchs, though there are other factors contributing to the decline in milkweed availability. Herbicide application and increased mowing in roadside ditches and agricultural margins is eradicating milkweed habitat even more from rural areas.

The film’s finale suggested all is not lost! 

Does the sight of a Monarch in a drunken flight pattern bring a smile to your kisser?

If the answer is yes, then you can help save the Monarchs. 

Here’s how. Plant milkweed. In fact, I will provide seed packets to the first twenty righteous Monarch saviors. Since there’s no free lunch or seed packets, there’s a quiz. 

A) Will you follow the directions on the seed packet to optimize seed germination? This requires a refrigerator, one paper towel, water and a ziplock bag. Plus thirty days.

B) Will you find a sunny location to plant the milkweed wannabes?

C) Will you water the seed beds for two weeks after the plantings? 

D) Will you promise me you won’t net adult Monarchs and stick them on a pin?

(A NO answer would result in instant failure on this quiz.) 

Still interested after this rigorous test? 

Then email me your address and the seeds will be in the mail.

Jeffsambur@gmail.com

If you don’t want to deal with the middle-Jeffy, just go to the source.

https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/

I’m on a one, small old Jewish man mission to save those orange and black Monarchs. Won’t you help too? 

Thanks from me and the butterflies.

Note. All the pix are various butterflies I photographed at the exhibit. Three landed on me. That’s considered good luck. 

Bonus! Photographer extraordinaire Nelson C has granted me the privilege to use his Monarch video. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1t-cNOmqsk

Below is a praying mantis sending thoughts and prayers to her Monarch brothers and sisters.