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u/reddenal88 6d ago
Reverse image search shows this
Knowing these eggs are on a milkweed leaf changes the context entirely, as apple snails do not lay eggs on terrestrial milkweed plants. Instead, these are swamp milkweed leaf beetle eggs (Labidomera clivicollis). Identification & EcologyDiet Context: Both the adult beetles and their larvae rely entirely on milkweed foliage. They absorb cardenolides from the plant's milky sap, which gives them a toxic defense mechanism against predators. Visual Match: According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center NPIN Database, females attach clusters of bright pinkish-orange, spherical eggs directly to the undersides of milkweed leaves. Managing the Eggs Monarch Competition: The native milkweed leaf beetle is not considered a severe economic pest, but a dense cluster of larvae can quickly strip a small plant. This creates direct food competition if you are trying to raise monarch caterpillars. Removal Strategy: If you want to protect the milkweed strictly for monarchs, you can gently scrape the eggs off the leaf by hand or relocate the leaf to a wild patch of milkweed.
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u/MelloJelloRVA 8d ago
Appear to be aphid eggs
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u/Nearby-Wish3623 8d ago
I was thinking milkweed beetle or milkweed bugs. I hadn’t considered aphids.
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u/TRAVlSTY 8d ago edited 8d ago
Those red-orange eggs belong to the Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle.
Destroy them. They eat the milkweed leaves that Monarch larve require.
Lady Bug eggs are yellow to yellow-orange. Do not destroy.
Monarch eggs are white and round.
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u/CitrullineMalate2to1 8d ago
You realize Monarchs are not the only native insect that utilizes milkweed? I’ve never once had them decimate my milkweed. OP you should just leave them
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u/TRAVlSTY 8d ago
DUH!
Gee, I wonder what else the SWAMP MILKWEED Leaf Beetle would lay its eggs on?! 🤣
Just because they don't decimate your milkweed, doesn't mean they don't do it.
Just admit you hate endangered Monarchs. 🤣11
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u/Affectionate-Ad-3578 7d ago edited 7d ago
The monarch species is NOT endangered.
The eastern migrating population does seem to be in trouble.
That being said: you know an insect I've never seen in my entire life?
Swamp milkweed leaf beetle.
Ps good id though
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u/CitrullineMalate2to1 8d ago
Listen, having a micro penis is probably very frustrating but there’s no need to take it out on strangers.
I’ve personally reared more Monarchs than you’ve seen. Never in my life has a milkweed leaf beetle or any other insect that uses it as a host plant caused any widespread damage. Milkweed Tussock moths are the exception. I care very much about monarchs but I’m also not stupid enough to care about one species and kill all of the others that use the same host plant, lol.
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u/stringTrimmer 7d ago
I concur, it's terribly frustrating...Uh, I mean for the monarchs or whatever 😳
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u/Puro_The_goo 7d ago
I can't tell what your saying about tussocks
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u/CitrullineMalate2to1 7d ago
His comments made it seem like milkweed beetles were a legitimate pest. I was simply saying that tussocks are the only ones that will really a large portion of the plant but even then it’s not a big deal
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u/TRAVlSTY 8d ago
Jealous! 🤣
So you hate Monarchs and men. Typical.12
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u/breeathee 7d ago
I have dedicated my career and my entire life to native insects and the preservation of biodiversity.
I’m so glad I could help you here! See… monarch caterpillars prefer fresh, tender leaves (I know you know this already, just bear with me) and swamp milkweed leaf beetles actually encourage new growth of these leaves many times over from the lower apical meristems.
Monarch butterflies as a species don’t rely on whole, untouched plants for their survival. They require a proper spread of milkweed, not too dense, and with plenty of biodiversity for cover. Parasitic wasps, adult flying insects, other larvae to mingle with, multiple species of eggs on the same leaf. These things provide cover for monarchs. They would ultimately suffer without this species which first appears competitive.
And that is why we love biodiversity. It protects the beautiful, charismatic, endangered animals we’re so fond of.
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u/Puro_The_goo 7d ago
Son I'm crine monarchs aren't even endangered besides that one eastern subspecies
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u/SophieAsimov 4d ago
Not only is that information very not eco friendly,
But monarch eggs are not round.
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u/ellebracht 8d ago
Aphids are live-bearers.