Hello all,
So, I think I have some good news to report, at least for my area. For the past couple of years, I have had a hard time with American Ladies because of host plant availabilty and hardiness. Pearly Everlasting is not dependable for me here, and Pussy Toes (Antennaria plantaginifolia) does well, but my patch is just not enough for the poor things who seem to lay all their eggs on it.
I have been clipping leaves and raising the caterpillars in a container, which has worked for the Pussy Toes--otherwise, there is no way to clip a stem and put it in water like we do for milkweed, nor do I want to risk digging up the plant like I do for pellitory. So, clipping leaves has been working.
Last night I put some Artemesia in there with them and the pussytoes, and this morning I noticed a couple of caterpillars were on it, and there are very early instars.
Today, I put a few caterpillars in a separate containter with ONLY the Artemesia, and they are eating it and making nests.
This makes me so happy (won't be joyous until I'm releasing American Ladies). I have loads of Prairie Sage; it spreads happily and is prolific, so concern about running out of the plant shouldn't happen.
I'll post pics soon.
runmede
MissSherry
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bernergrrlOriginal Author
bernergrrlOriginal Author
bernergrrlOriginal Author
Leafhead
molanic
MissSherry
bandjzmom
bernergrrlOriginal Author
MissSherry
runmede