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Are these monarch larvae? #466313

Asked June 29, 2018, 6:16 AM EDT

Are these monarch larvae on my milkweed?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

No. These are Dogbane Caterpillars (Saucrobotys futilalis). Dogbane is in the milkweed family and these guys will become moths.

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Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied June 29, 2018, 10:33 AM EDT
Someone had told me that this is milkweek for the monarchs. So that's not the case?
The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2018, 12:19 PM EDT
We can't tell what your plant is from your photos.
You can send more by attaching them right to this reply using the tabs below.

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Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied June 29, 2018, 2:14 PM EDT
Here are some pictures. I have a ton of this plant that popped up. Thank you!
The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2018, 6:26 PM EDT
Your plant appears to be Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum). It is a native that will get long green-bean looking pods.
Since it is a native plant it has its place in our landscapes, but it is not good for monarchs. Apparently, they can eat a little of it, but then stop, and will die if Asclepias plants are close by.
See more here: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/habitat/index.shtml

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Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied July 02, 2018, 9:19 AM EDT

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