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What are these? #885202

Asked September 13, 2024, 7:30 PM EDT

Can you identify these on my milkweed? Because of color, I was excited that they were monarch butterflies, which I've had in the past on my milkweed. On closer inspection, they look like a beetle. Should I do anything about them? I am in the Granite area of Baltimore County.

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

Milkweed bugs, like the monarch caterpillar, are another native insect (that has evolved along with the milkweed for eons) that use the plant for part of its lifecycle.

They are nothing to worry about, other than if you were growing the milkweed primarily to save seed.
You can see them here: 
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/milkweed-bug


Christine


Christine
Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied September 16, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT

Thank you.

 

From: on behalf of Ask Extension
Date: Monday, September 16, 2024 at 9:22 AM
To: "<personal data hidden>"
Subject: Re: What are these? (#0155119)

 

The Question Asker Replied September 16, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
You're welcome. We are happy to help.
Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied September 16, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT

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