Monarch Butterfly Larvae

In Costa Rica, Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on species of the milkweed family (in this case Tropical Milkweed; Asclepias curassavica) which remains one of their main food sources throughout their lives. As a caterpillar, Monarchs munch the leaves along the stem of the plant. When the butterflies have undergone metamorphosis, they feed on the nectar of the milkweeds flowers.