MILKWEED POLLINATORS

Swamp Milkweed attracts Yellowjackets, wasps, ants and wild solitary bees, but NOT Honeybees.

Butterfly Milkweed attracts mostly Honeybees (this is based on my observations over several years).

The problem with wasps and ants is that although they're beneficial pollinators, they are also predators. This means that, if given the opportunity, they will eat Monarch eggs and small caterpillars. The larger caterpillars - if they survive to that stage - would then likely be too toxic for them.

About the parasitic Tachinid fly below - for more information on these insects please check the 'PREDATORS' page.

Below are photos and videos of some pollinating insects (except ants). I also have yet to observe any Bumblebees on milkweed plants.

Honeybees in Butterfly milkweed

Bald-faced hornet on
Swamp milkweed flowers

Parasitic tachinid fly on
Swamp milkweed flowers

Yellowjacket on Swamp milkweed flowers

Below are videos of pollinators on milkweed flowers: