It is not until you travel far away from home and attend an interpretive talk on Monarch Butterflies, that you realize how an action in Oliver (such as cutting down or digging out milkweed), can have a significant impact on their wintering over ability in Pismo Beach, California.

The monarchs can ONLY lay their eggs on milkweed. We are fortunate in having locations along the canal, and a climate conducive to this plant and insect. No milkweed, no butterflies – it is the leaves that the caterpillar feeds and pupates on.

There are 5 life cycles each year. Adults survive 2 weeks during which time they must mate and lay eggs. It is the 5th one where genetically they go into a breeding hiatus and are destined to fly from Oliver to a grove of bluegum trees at Pismo beach and winter over from November to March. This year they had a peak of 50,000. What a sight.

These butterflies all came from regions west of the rockies. The groves in Mexico host the monarchs that come from the eastern parts of the continent.

To enhance pollination, brighten up our days, and preserve the lifecycle of this amazing insect, why not plant some milkweed in your yard, in your vineyard or orchard. You will be doing your bit to enhance the species.

Article by Russell Work

Editor’s Note: The milkweed species that is used as a food plant by the Monarch caterpillar is A. speciosa, or Showy Milkweed.

Photos by Torrey Allen