What is the fundamental difference between the Monarch and Tiger Swallowtail regarding milkweed as a host plant?
Answer
Milkweed is the sole host plant for Monarch caterpillars, whereas Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars do not use it.
Milkweed is an absolute necessity for Monarch survival and larval feeding, but the caterpillars of both Eastern and Western Tiger Swallowtails require completely different foliage for maturation.
Related Questions
Do adult Tiger Swallowtails consume nectar from milkweed flowers?What is the fundamental difference between the Monarch and Tiger Swallowtail regarding milkweed as a host plant?What characterizes the larval diet of the Western Tiger Swallowtail?What known host plants are required by the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar?How does the general feeding preference of adult Tiger Swallowtails differ from their highly specialized larval needs?If a gardener's primary goal is Monarch conservation, what should dominate a specific area of their yard?When observing an adult Tiger Swallowtail on milkweed, what is the primary biological purpose of this interaction?Which of these flowers is NOT listed among the common nectar sources that rival or surpass milkweed attraction for Eastern Tiger Swallowtails?Why might a large butterfly like the Tiger Swallowtail prefer flowers such as Coneflower or Joe Pye Weed over milkweed for prolonged feeding?What is the recommended garden strategy for maximizing the total variety of adult butterflies, including Tiger Swallowtails?