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Asclepiadaceae

13-Monarch larva

[FMP-field: image]

Milkweeds contain glycosides, which are ingested by the larvae of monarch butterflies. These bitter-tasting glycosides are retained as the larvae pupate into adults and impart a defense against the butterflies being eaten by predators. This is Asclepias tuberosa.

Photo by K. R. Robertson at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve, Iroquois County, Illinois.

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