Queens of the...

Our two Mexican milkweed plants might not be exactly native, but they are a font of resources for butterflies, other insects and even hummingbirds. This morning, I found the caterpillar of a Queen butterfly, Danaus gilippus, munching away. These "brush-foots" are related to monarchs, and the caterpillars look similar, aside from an extra pair or two of squiggly black horns. The adults also love nectaring on Gregg's mistflower. I should plant some of that...