The only solution is to plant more milkweed :) I think once butterflies discovered your patch they leave some marks or something and more will be coming.

The only solution to assassin bugs is to take the Monarchs/butterflies in to raise. See the tip sheet below for rearing Monarchs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tips for rearing Monarchs

Whitevine is a native relative of milkweed that also attracts and supports Queens and Tropic Queens. It likes poor rocky soil and LOTS of space.
Calotropis is also a good choice.

John

Gary, where are you located in Florida? I grew up in Pompano Beach, Ft Lauderdale area (Broward County). I could possibly provide some suggestions. Which coast are you on, and what do you have growing so far?

John

Monarch Watch has a milkweed by state page -- see below.

Monarch Watch also has a list of vendors by state and will also sale you flats of native milkweeds for your state.
http://monarchwatch.org/milkweed/market/index.php?function=show_static_page&id_static_page=1&table_name=vendors

Click on the "Vendor List" at the top.
http://monarchwatch.org/milkweed/market/index.php?function=search&table_name=vendors

Here is a link that might be useful: Milkweed by state

hi
Growing the plants is no problem , The caterpillars eat it completely to the ground and kill it.lol I tried planting more but just got more caterpillars lol Since Calotopis will get ten feet high thought it a better choice surely they can't eat all that lol I'm located in Palm Beach fl. so the butterflies are active year around . Would be nice to get at least one flower?? lol
i find the assassin bugs will wipe them out but they recover on the next cycle Have way too many fish tanks to raise them in the house lol Thanks for the advice gary