Context-dependency of monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) egg abundance on milkweeds (Asclepias).

ABSTRACT: North American monarch (Danaus plexippus) populations have experienced sharp declines. Loss of milkweed is among the major drivers of this decline. Our objective is to identify factors that influence milkweed habitat quality for monarchs to inform habitat reconstruction efforts. We measured the response of monarch egg abundance to milkweed patch characteristics (milkweed species identity and co-occurring insects) and features of the surrounding landscape (wildflower nectar plants and land use context). From May through September 2019 and 2021, we assessed the abundance of naturally occurring monarch eggs, lady beetles (predators), and aphids (competitors) on swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) plants established in a diverse matrix of wildflower nectar pla

SUBMITTER: Harris K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12585044 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature