Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)

Overview

• Common Names: Wild bergamot, bee balm, horsemint

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Native Range: Widespread across North America, from Canada through most of the U.S., including the Midwest (Chicago region).

• Habitat: Prairies, meadows, woodland edges, savannas, and roadsides—prefers sunny, well-drained sites.

Ecological Value

Monarda fistulosa is one of the most ecologically beneficial native perennials in the Midwest due to its nectar-rich flowers and role as a host plant:

Pollinators

• Bees: Attracts bumble bees (Bombus spp.), sweat bees (Halictidae), leafcutter bees, and honeybees.

• Butterflies: Visited by swallowtails, skippers, and fritillaries.

• Moths: Supports nocturnal pollinators like sphinx moths.

• Hummingbirds: High nectar content makes it a favorite summer flower for ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Predatory & Beneficial Insects

• Attracts insects like long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae), hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests in the garden.

Host Plant

• Serves as a larval host for several moth species, including the Hermit sphinx moth (Lintneria eremitus).

Biodiversity Support

• Dense summer blooms provide foraging continuity during mid-summer when other nectar sources decline.

• Seedheads in winter can provide food for small birds and cover for overwintering insects.

Plant Characteristics

• Height: 2–4 ft

• Bloom Time: Mid-summer (June–August)

• Flower Color: Lavender to pale purple; tubular flowers in rounded clusters.

• Foliage: Aromatic leaves with a minty, oregano-like scent; deer and rabbit resistant.

• Growth Habit: Spreads via rhizomes, forming clumps or small colonies.

Best Native Wildlife It Supports

• Pollinators: Bumble bees (Bombus impatiens, B. griseocollis), honeybees, solitary bees, swallowtail butterflies (Papilio glaucus), and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

• Predatory Insects: Hoverflies, tachinid flies, parasitic wasps.

• Seed-eating Birds: Goldfinches and sparrows may forage on dried seed heads.

• Specialist Insects: Certain Monarda-feeding moths and bees specialized for tubular flowers.

How to Grow from Seed

Seed Collection

• Collect dry seed heads in late summer to early fall.

• Gently crush to release small brown seeds.

Germination Needs

• Cold Stratification: Beneficial but not strictly required; 30–60 days improves germination rates.

• Light: Seeds need light to germinate; surface sow without covering or barely press into soil.

• Timing: Best sown in fall (outdoors) or stratified and started indoors in late winter/early spring.

Sowing Outdoors

1. Broadcast on prepared soil in late fall (seeds naturally stratify over winter).

2. Press seeds into soil surface; do not bury.

3. Water lightly and let nature handle cold stratification.

Sowing Indoors

1. Mix seeds with moist sand; refrigerate for 30–60 days.

2. After stratification, sow on the soil surface under grow lights.

3. Transplant seedlings after frost when 3–4 inches tall.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (best flowering in full sun).

• Soil: Well-drained loam, clay-loam, or sandy soils; tolerates drought once established.

• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant but blooms better with occasional watering during dry spells.

• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart; allow room for clump expansion.

• Maintenance:

  • Divide every 3–4 years to manage spread and prevent powdery mildew.

  • Deadhead for prolonged blooming or leave seed heads for wildlife.

Companion Planting

Pairs well with other prairie perennials and grasses:

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

• Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)

• Pycnanthemum virginianum (Mountain Mint)

• Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod)

• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Condylostylus patibulatus

Overview

• Taxonomy:

  • Family: Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies)

  • Genus: Condylostylus

  • Species: Condylostylus patibulatus

• Common Name: No widely used common name; generally referred to as a long-legged fly.

• Range: Widely distributed in North America, including the Midwest (Illinois and surrounding states). Found in gardens, meadows, wetlands, and forest edges where moisture and vegetation are abundant.

Identification

• Appearance:

  • Metallic green or blue body with a slender build.

  • Long, spindly legs (characteristic of the family).

  • Small size: usually 3–7 mm long.

• Behavior:

  • Seen darting and hovering close to vegetation surfaces.

  • Quick, erratic flight pattern when disturbed.

Ecological Role

• Predator of Pests:

  • Adults are active hunters that feed on tiny soft-bodied insects, including aphids, thrips, mites, and mosquito larvae, helping control garden pests naturally.

• Pollination:

  • Though not their primary role, adults occasionally feed on nectar and pollen, providing incidental pollination of small native flowers.

• Food Source:

  • Serve as prey for spiders, dragonflies, birds, and larger predatory insects, contributing to food web diversity.

• Indicator Species:

  • Presence often indicates a healthy, pesticide-free habitat with good plant and insect diversity.

Habitat Needs

• Moisture: Prefer damp soil or leaf litter for larval development.

• Microhabitats: Thrive in complex plant structures (prairie edges, meadows, woodland openings) where they can hunt.

• Organic Matter: Larvae develop in decaying plant material or moist soil.

Supporting Condylostylus patibulatus

Key Strategy

Provide diverse native plantings to attract both the pests they feed on (like aphids, which occur naturally) and nectar sources for adults. Avoid pesticide use.

Best Native Plants (Midwestern Focus)

These plants support a rich insect community (aphids, small pollinators) that long-legged flies hunt, plus nectar sources for the flies themselves:

Prairie and Meadow Flowers

• Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-toothed Mountain Mint) – nectar magnet for small insects.

• Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) – attracts small pollinators and aphids.

• Echinacea purpurea / pallida (Purple Coneflower) – provides structure and nectar.

• Solidago spp. (Goldenrods, e.g., Solidago speciosa) – late-season nectar and insect diversity.

• Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) – supports late-season pollinators.

Woodland Edge and Moist Areas

• Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) – early nectar source and host for diverse aphid communities.

• Eutrochium purpureum( Joe-Pye Weed) – tall structure and nectar; supports aphids and small flies.

• Verbena hastata (Blue Vervain) – moist habitat nectar source.

Grasses and Structural Plants

• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – shelter for insects in stems and litter.

• Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) – provides overwintering habitat for prey species.

Additional Tips for Habitat Creation

• Diverse Layers: Combine flowers, grasses, and shrubs to create microhabitats.

• Continuous Bloom: Ensure nectar is available spring through fall.

• Moisture Retention: Include mulched areas or rain gardens; larvae develop in damp soil.

• Pesticide-Free: Essential for supporting predatory insects like long-legged flies.

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Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)

Overview

• Scientific name: Physostegia virginiana

• Common names: Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Native range: Widespread across eastern and central North America — from the Great Plains to the Atlantic, and from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

• Habit: Herbaceous perennial

• Height: 2–4 feet tall, spreads aggressively via rhizomes

• Flowering period: Late summer to early fall (July–September)

• Flower color: Pink to purplish-pink (occasionally white)

Ecological Value

Pollinator Support

• Bees: Strongly attracts long-tongued bees (e.g., Bombus spp., honeybees, large solitary bees).

• Butterflies: Nectar source for monarchs (Danaus plexippus), swallowtails (Papilio spp.), sulphurs, and skippers.

• Hummingbirds: The tubular flowers are well-adapted for ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris).

• Moths: Some sphinx moths also visit for nectar in evening hours.

Specialist Relationships

• While not known as a larval host plant, it provides late-season nectar when other native flowers are declining — crucial for migrating monarchs and late-foraging bees.

Birds & Other Wildlife

• Birds rarely eat the seeds, but finches and small songbirds may occasionally forage on them in winter.

• Dense growth can provide cover for small insects and microhabitats in prairie and wet meadow ecosystems.

Habitat Role

• Found in moist prairies, streambanks, open wood edges, and wet meadows.

• Functions as a nectar bridge between midsummer and fall bloom periods, important in succession plantings.

Growth Characteristics

• Light: Full sun to light partial shade (best bloom in sun).

• Soil: Prefers moist, moderately rich soils but tolerates clay or sandy loam.

• Moisture: Likes consistent moisture; tolerates occasional drought once established.

• Aggressiveness: Spreads via rhizomes; can form colonies — good for naturalistic plantings but may need containment in formal gardens.

Growing from Seed

Seed Collection

• Collect seeds in late fall (October–November) once seed capsules turn brown and begin to split.

• Seeds are small, dark brown, and drop easily when mature.

Seed Treatment

• Cold stratification is required (mimics winter conditions):

  • Moist stratify for 30–60 days at 34–40°F (refrigerator method: mix with damp sand/vermiculite in a sealed bag).

  • Alternatively, sow outdoors in fall for natural stratification.

Sowing

• Outdoor fall sowing: Scatter on prepared soil in fall; lightly press or cover with ⅛ inch soil.

• Indoor spring sowing: After stratification, sow 6–8 weeks before last frost in flats; keep moist until germination (1–3 weeks).

• Light requirement: Seeds germinate best with light exposure — avoid heavy covering.

Transplanting

• Transplant when seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves; space 18–24 inches apart.

• Plants establish quickly and may bloom in their second year.

Management in Gardens

• Control spread: Install root barriers or regularly divide clumps every 2–3 years.

• Companion plants: Works well with other moisture-loving late-bloomers like Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset), Helenium autumnale (sneezeweed), and Aster novae-angliae (New England aster).

• Deer resistance: Moderately deer-resistant (mint family aromatic foliage).

Why Plant It?

• Extended bloom late in the season, filling a nectar gap.

• Supports multiple pollinator guilds — bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.

• Thrives in rain gardens and prairie restorations, especially moist lowlands.

• Low-maintenance once established and tolerant of various soils.

Neotibicen pruinosus (Scissor Grinder Cicada)

Identification

• Common Name: Scissor Grinder Cicada

• Scientific Name: Neotibicen pruinosus

• Family: Cicadidae

• Appearance: Large cicada (~1.5–2 inches) with greenish-brown to olive coloration, black markings, and a whitish “pruinose” (powdery) bloom along parts of its abdomen.

• Call: Continuous, pulsing “grinding” sound, often heard during the hottest parts of summer afternoons and evenings.

Range & Habitat

• Range: Widely distributed in the central and eastern United States, including the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri), Great Plains, and parts of the South.

• Habitat: Mixed woodlands, open forests, urban and suburban areas with mature trees; commonly found in oak-hickory woodlands and around edges of prairies with scattered trees.

Life Cycle

• Type: Annual cicada (appears every year, unlike periodical cicadas).

• Nymph Stage: Spends 2–5 years underground feeding on xylem sap of tree roots.

• Emergence: Emerges in mid- to late-summer (July–September), molts into winged adults.

• Adult Stage: Lives 4–6 weeks above ground to mate and lay eggs.

• Egg-laying: Females deposit eggs in woody twigs; nymphs hatch and fall to the ground, burrowing to find roots.

Ecological Role

• Nutrient Cycling: Nymph feeding is minimally damaging but contributes to soil nutrient turnover when adults die and decompose.

• Food Source:

  • Adults and nymphs are a significant protein source for birds (blue jays, crows, flycatchers), mammals (raccoons, squirrels, foxes), and reptiles.

  • Emergence events provide a seasonal food pulse for many predators.

• Soil Aeration: Burrowing activity aerates soil and promotes root health.

• Pollinator Association: While not pollinators themselves, their presence supports food webs that indirectly aid pollinator populations.

Host Plant Preferences

Cicada nymphs feed on sap from woody plant roots—they are not highly specific but favor mature native trees with deep root systems. Supporting them involves maintaining native tree diversity.

Best Native Host Trees (Midwest & Eastern US)

1. Oaks (Quercus spp.)

   • White Oak (Q. alba), Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa), Red Oak (Q. rubra)

   • Keystone species: host hundreds of other insects and birds as well.

2. Hickories (Carya spp.)

   • Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata), Bitternut Hickory (C. cordiformis)

   • Provide abundant root sap and excellent wildlife value.

3. Maples (Acer spp.)

   • Sugar Maple (A. saccharum), Red Maple (A. rubrum)

4. Elms (Ulmus spp.)

   • American Elm (U. americana) – less common now but highly beneficial.

5. Walnuts (Juglans spp.)

   • Black Walnut (J. nigra) – supports rich soil food web.

6. Native Ash (Fraxinus spp.)

   • White Ash (F. americana) – where emerald ash borer has not devastated populations.

How to Support Neotibicen pruinosus

• Plant Native Trees: Favor oaks and hickories for the highest ecological benefit.

• Allow Leaf Litter & Bare Soil Areas: Nymphs need unobstructed soil to burrow and emerge.

• Avoid Soil Compaction & Pesticides: Cicadas are highly sensitive to soil disturbance and systemic insecticides.

• Create Habitat Variety: Incorporate both large canopy trees and edge conditions for egg-laying.

Conservation Notes

• Populations are generally stable, but local declines occur where:

  • Mature trees are removed.

  • Urban soil is heavily compacted or treated with insecticides.

  • Habitat fragmentation reduces tree diversity.

Key Takeaways

• Neotibicen pruinosus plays a crucial role in summer food webs, nutrient cycling, and soil aeration.

• It depends on native hardwood trees, especially oaks and hickories, for nymph development.

• Maintaining or planting diverse native tree species and minimizing soil disturbance best supports their populations.

Pycnanthemum muticum (blunt mountain mint)

Overview

• Scientific name: Pycnanthemum muticum

• Common names: Blunt mountain mint, short-toothed mountain mint, clustered mountain mint

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Native range: Eastern and central North America – from New England and the Midwest south to Florida and Texas.

• Habitats: Moist meadows, woodland edges, open prairies, and savannas; tolerates disturbed areas with adequate moisture.

• Growth habit:

  • Perennial; clump-forming but spreads moderately by rhizomes.

  • Height: 2–3 feet tall.

  • Leaves: Fragrant, opposite, oval; emit a strong minty aroma when crushed.

  • Flowers: Dense clusters of tiny pinkish-white tubular flowers; surrounded by silvery bracts that give a frosted appearance.

  • Bloom period: Mid- to late summer (July–September).

Ecological Role

1. Keystone Nectar Plant

• Produces extremely nectar-rich flowers that attract a vast array of pollinators.

• Considered one of the most pollinator-dense native plants in North American prairies and meadows.

2. Supports Pollinator Biodiversity

• Attracts native bees (sweat bees, bumble bees, leafcutter bees, resin bees), wasps (sand wasps, great golden digger wasps, potter wasps), butterflies, skippers, moths, and flies.

• Supports beneficial predatory wasps that control pests (e.g., caterpillars, leafhoppers, grasshoppers).

3. Aromatic Defense

• Strong aromatic oils deter mammalian herbivory (e.g., deer, rabbits).

• These oils also have antimicrobial properties, historically used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes.

4. Summer-Fall Forage Bridge

• Fills a nectar gap in mid to late summer, when early summer blooms (e.g., penstemons, milkweeds) are finished and before goldenrods/asters dominate in fall.

• Essential for sustaining pollinators during critical summer brood rearing and pre-migration fattening (e.g., monarchs).

5. Soil and Habitat Benefits

• Deep roots help stabilize soil in meadow restorations.

• Clump-forming habit suppresses weeds, supporting prairie diversity without becoming aggressive.

Wildlife Supported

Pollinators

• Native bees: Sweat bees (Lasioglossum, Halictus), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), carpenter bees.

• Wasps: Great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus), cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus), sand wasps (Bembix spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.), potter wasps.

• Butterflies and skippers: Common buckeye (Junonia coenia), clouded sulphur (Colias philodice), silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus).

• Flies and beetles: Syrphid flies (hoverflies), soldier beetles.

Birds

• Indirect support: attracts insects that are eaten by songbirds (e.g., flycatchers, warblers).

Mammals

• Low browse pressure due to aromatic foliage; not a primary food source.

Growth and Planting Notes

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best flowering in full sun).

• Soil: Moist to medium; tolerates clay or sandy loam.

• Spread: Rhizomatous but manageable; forms dense, pollinator-friendly clumps.

• Maintenance:

  • Cut back in late winter or early spring.

  • Allow stems to remain standing over winter for beneficial insect overwintering.

Companion Plants

• Pair with other mid-to-late summer natives for layered bloom and structure:

  • Liatris spp. (blazing star)

  • Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot)

  • Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower)

  • Solidago spp. (goldenrods)

  • Symphyotrichum spp. (asters)

  • Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) for grasses.

Conservation and Restoration Value

• Widely used in prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and meadows due to its exceptional insect diversity support.

• Functions as a magnet species: attracts pollinators to the site, increasing pollination of nearby plants.

• High value for beneficial wasp populations, which in turn control herbivorous insects naturally.

Key Ecological Takeaways

• High nectar production = supports hundreds of pollinator species.

• Aromatic foliage = deer- and rabbit-resistant, ideal for diverse plantings.

• Seasonal gap filler = sustains pollinators mid-late summer.

• Supports predatory wasps = indirectly enhances ecosystem pest control.

• Easy to grow and resilient = excellent for gardens and large-scale restorations.

Sphex ichneumoneus (Great Golden Digger Wasp)

Overview

• Scientific name: Sphex ichneumoneus

• Common name: Great Golden Digger Wasp

• Family: Sphecidae (Thread-waisted wasps)

• Range: Widespread in North America—southern Canada through most of the United States into Central America.

• Habitat: Meadows, prairies, open woodlands, gardens—especially areas with sandy or loose soil for nesting and abundant nectar sources.

• Appearance: Large (20–25 mm), slender wasp with a reddish-orange thorax, golden hairs on the thorax, and black abdomen with orange wings.

Life Cycle and Behavior

1. Emergence: Adults appear in midsummer (July–September).

2. Nesting: Females dig burrows in sandy or loose soils, often in open sunny areas.

3. Hunting/Provisioning:

   • Females paralyze katydids and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) and place them in the burrow as food for larvae.

   • One to several prey items are placed per chamber; an egg is laid on the paralyzed insect.

4. Larvae: Feed on the live but immobilized prey until pupation.

5. Overwintering: The species overwinters in the pupal stage, emerging the following summer.

Ecological Role

1. Predator / Natural Pest Control

• Reduces populations of katydids and grasshoppers, which are herbivores of native plants and crops.

• Helps maintain balance in grassland ecosystems by limiting orthopteran outbreaks.

2. Pollinator

• Adults feed exclusively on flower nectar and are important pollinators for a wide range of prairie wildflowers.

• Frequently visit flowers with easily accessible nectar (composites, mints, milkweeds).

3. Soil Aerator

• Burrowing behavior aerates soil, aiding water infiltration and nutrient cycling.

4. Prey for Higher Trophic Levels

• Serves as food for birds, spiders, and predatory insects; their nests may be parasitized by cuckoo wasps or bee flies.

Best Native Plants to Support Sphex ichneumoneus

Larvae:

• Do not feed on plants directly but require habitats supporting katydids and grasshoppers—this means native grasses and forbs that sustain orthopteran populations.

Adults (nectar feeders):

• Need abundant mid-to-late summer nectar plants in open sunny areas.

Key Nectar Plants (Mid–Late Summer Bloom)

Mints (Lamiaceae)

• Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum, P. virginianum) – Top attractor for digger wasps and many pollinators.

• Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – Long bloom period, thrives in dry to medium soils.

Composites (Asteraceae)

• Blazing stars (Liatris spp.) – Dense nectar spikes mid-late summer.

• Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) – Crucial late-season nectar.

• Aromatic and New England asters (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, S. novae-angliae) – Fall-blooming nectar sources.

Milkweeds (Apocynaceae)

• Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Swamp milkweed (A. incarnata)

• Butterfly milkweed (A. tuberosa)
  (Provide midsummer nectar; also support monarchs.)

Legumes (Fabaceae)

• Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea)

• White prairie clover (Dalea candida)
  (Supports both nectar needs and grasshopper prey populations.)

Habitat Recommendations

1. Open, Sunny Spaces with Bare Soil

   • Loose, sandy or loamy soil for burrow nesting.

   • Avoid excessive mulch or dense turf grass.

2. Prairie Plant Diversity

   • Mix of nectar-rich forbs and native grasses (little bluestem, prairie dropseed) to support katydid prey populations.

3. Continuous Bloom

   • Sequence nectar plants to provide food from June–September.

4. No Pesticides

   • Insecticides harm wasps, their prey, and nectar plants.

5. Structural Diversity

   • Mix tall flowering plants with low grasses to create foraging and nesting habitat.

Ecological Significance

• Pollinator: Vital for prairies and meadows, visiting a wide range of native flowers.

• Predator: Controls orthopterans naturally without harming ecosystems.

• Indicator species: Their presence signals healthy sandy soils and diverse prairie habitats.

• Beneficial insect: Harmless to humans (rarely stings unless handled).

Conservation Notes

• Populations benefit from:

  • Native prairie restoration.

  • Maintaining open soil patches for nesting.

  • Planting diverse nectar plants blooming mid- to late-summer.

• Declines can occur with:

  • Habitat loss (conversion to turf grass or development).

  • Pesticide use.

  • Loss of prey (katydids/grasshoppers) due to lack of native vegetation.

Sphecius speciosus (Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp)

Overview

• Scientific name: Sphecius speciosus

• Common name: Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp

• Family: Crabronidae

• Range: Eastern and central North America (southern Canada to Mexico).

• Habitat: Sandy or loose soils in open, sunny areas—lawns, fields, woodland edges, dunes.

• Size & Appearance: Large solitary wasp (2–5 cm); black body with yellow bands and reddish wings/legs. Often mistaken for hornets but generally docile.

Life Cycle

1. Emergence: Adults appear in mid to late summer (July–September).

2. Mating: Males establish territories; females excavate burrows in sandy or loose soils.

3. Hunting: Females paralyze cicadas, drag them into burrows, and lay an egg on the prey.

4. Larval development: Larvae feed on cicadas, overwinter in the burrow, and pupate the following spring.

5. Adult lifespan: A few weeks in summer; non-colonial and do not defend nests aggressively.

Ecological Role

1. Predator / Natural Pest Control

• Specializes in cicadas (Cicadidae); helps regulate cicada populations.

• Cicada population control indirectly benefits trees by reducing sap-feeding damage and branch flagging caused by cicada egg-laying.

2. Soil Aeration

• Burrowing activity loosens and aerates soil, contributing to soil health and water infiltration.

3. Prey for Higher Trophic Levels

• Adults and larvae are preyed upon by birds, mammals (skunks, raccoons), and parasitic flies (e.g., Sarcophagidae).

4. Pollinator

• Adults feed on nectar from flowers (not cicadas), aiding pollination of summer-blooming wildflowers.

Behavior and Human Interaction

• Non-aggressive: Males patrol burrow areas and may hover around people but cannot sting. Females sting only to subdue cicadas and rarely sting humans unless handled.

• Often misunderstood due to size and activity around human lawns but pose little threat.

Best Native Plants to Support Sphecius speciosus

While their larvae rely exclusively on cicadas (not plants), adults need nectar for energy. To support them, plant mid-to-late summer blooming native flowers, especially in open sandy or prairie habitats.

Nectar Sources (Mid–Late Summer Bloomers)

• Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum / P. muticum) – Highly attractive to wasps and other beneficial insects.

• Bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) – Excellent nectar for wasps and butterflies.

• Wild bergamot (Monarda punctata) – Good in sandy soils.

• Blazing stars (Liatris spp.) – Mid-summer nectar spikes; well-suited for prairies.

• Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) – Critical late-season nectar.

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) – Especially aromatic aster (S. oblongifolium) and New England aster (S. novae-angliae).

• Wild indigo (Baptisia spp.) – Also attracts pollinators and fixes nitrogen in soil.

Habitat Requirements

• Soil: Sandy, loose, well-drained soils for burrowing.

• Sun: Prefers full sun to open areas.

• Structure: Needs nearby trees hosting cicadas (oaks, maples, hickories, etc.).

• Avoid pesticides/herbicides: To protect both wasps and cicadas.

• Planting strategy: Combine nectar plants with canopy trees that support cicadas (native deciduous trees, especially oaks).

Supporting Cicada Populations (Indirect Host Need)

Cicada killers rely on healthy populations of periodical and annual cicadas. To support cicadas (and thus cicada killers):

• Plant native trees:

  • Oaks (Quercus spp.)

  • Maples (Acer spp.)

  • Hickories (Carya spp.)

  • Black walnut (Juglans nigra)

  • Elms (Ulmus spp.)

• Cicadas develop underground feeding on tree roots for several years before emerging.

Conservation Notes

• Not endangered, but populations depend on:

  • Availability of sandy soils (often lost to development or turf management).

  • Abundance of cicadas (tied to native tree health).

• Providing native flowering plants and host trees creates a dual habitat: nectar for adults, cicadas for larval provisioning.

Key Ecological Takeaways

• Predator role: Controls cicada populations naturally.

• Pollinator role: Supports pollination of native prairie and meadow plants.

• Soil role: Improves soil aeration and nutrient cycling.

• Indicator species: Presence suggests healthy sandy soils and cicada populations.

Colias philodice (clouded sulphur butterfly)

Overview

• Scientific name: Colias philodice

• Common name: Clouded sulphur

• Family: Pieridae (Whites and sulphurs)

• Range: Widespread across North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

• Habitat: Open fields, prairies, meadows, roadside edges, old pastures, and disturbed areas with legumes.

• Appearance: Medium-sized yellow butterfly with black wing borders; females may be white (alba form).

Life Cycle

1. Egg

   • Laid singly on host plant leaves (legumes).

2. Larva (caterpillar)

   • Green with yellow side stripes; feeds on foliage of leguminous plants.

3. Pupa (chrysalis)

   • Green or brown, attached to stems or leaves.

4. Adult butterfly

   • Active from spring through late fall; multiple broods in warm regions.

Ecological Role

1. Pollinator

• Adults visit a wide variety of flowers, especially composites and legumes, aiding in pollination of prairie and meadow plants (e.g., asters, goldenrods, clovers).

2. Herbivore (Larvae)

• Caterpillars feed on leaves of native legumes, especially clovers and vetches, playing a role in regulating plant populations and forming part of grassland food webs.

3. Prey Species

• Eggs, larvae, and adults are food for birds (sparrows, swallows), small mammals, spiders, and predatory insects (mantids, assassin bugs).

• Caterpillars host parasitoid wasps and tachinid flies, contributing to parasitoid diversity.

4. Indicator of Open-Habitat Health

• Abundant in healthy meadows and prairies; presence signals legume-rich habitats and overall grassland integrity.

Best Native Host Plants (for Caterpillars)

Colias philodice caterpillars feed exclusively on native legumes (Fabaceae). Important host species in the Midwest/Great Lakes include:

Primary Hosts

1. White prairie clover (Dalea candida)

   • Upright perennial; thrives in dry prairies.

2. Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea)

   • Deep-rooted; valuable nectar and host plant.

3. Canada milk-vetch (Astragalus canadensis)

   • Prefers moist prairies and open wood edges.

4. American vetch (Vicia americana)

   • Climbing vine; grows in woodlands and prairies.

5. Bush clovers (Lespedeza spp.)

   • Includes roundhead and slender bush clover; important late-season forage.

Secondary Hosts (less common)

• Tick-trefoils (Desmodium spp.)

• Goat’s rue (Tephrosia virginiana)

• Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Best Native Nectar Plants (for Adults)

Adults nectar broadly on prairie flowers; prioritize long-blooming species:

• Spring/Summer: Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

• Summer/Fall: Blazing stars (Liatris spp.), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

Habitat Recommendations

• Plant a mix of native legumes (prairie clovers, vetches, bush clovers) to provide continuous larval food sources.

• Combine legumes with diverse nectar plants (asters, goldenrods, bergamot) to support adults and other pollinators.

• Plant in open, sunny areas resembling natural prairies or meadows.

• Cluster plantings (3–5+ per species) improve butterfly detection and use.

• Avoid pesticides and mow only late fall or early spring to protect overwintering chrysalids.

Conservation Notes

• Widespread and common, but populations benefit from prairie restoration and native legume plantings.

• Declines can occur where clovers are replaced by non-native grasses or pesticides reduce larval survival.

• Planting native legumes supports not only clouded sulphurs but also other butterflies (e.g., orange sulphur Colias eurytheme) and native bees.

Why Supporting Colias philodice Benefits Ecosystems

• Legume host plants also improve soil nitrogen and support diverse bee communities.

• Clouded sulphurs provide food for higher trophic levels (birds, spiders, predatory insects).

• Their broad geographic range means plantings benefit both local and migrating individuals.

Danaus plexippus (monarch butterfly)

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ecological role of Danaus plexippus (monarch butterfly) and the best native host plants to support them, especially in the Midwest/Great Lakes region:

Ecological Role of Danaus plexippus

1. Pollinator

• Adult monarchs feed on nectar from a wide variety of flowers, transferring pollen as they move between blooms.

• While not as efficient as bees, monarchs contribute to the pollination of native prairie and meadow plants, including asters, goldenrods, and milkweeds.

2. Keystone Species in Food Webs

• Monarch caterpillars are herbivores that feed exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias spp.), sequestering toxic cardiac glycosides that deter most predators.

• Some predators (e.g., certain birds like black-headed grosbeaks, orioles) and parasitoid wasps have evolved to tolerate or exploit monarchs as a food source.

• Their presence supports higher trophic levels, providing food for invertebrate and avian predators during both larval and adult stages.

3. Migratory Phenomenon

• Monarchs are central to one of North America’s most remarkable migrations, traveling thousands of miles between breeding grounds in the U.S./Canada and overwintering sites in Mexico (Oyamel fir forests) or coastal California.

• This migration links ecosystems across an entire continent, making them indicators of large-scale ecological health and connectivity.

4. Indicator Species

• Population fluctuations reflect habitat quality, climate change impacts, and pesticide/herbicide use across North America.

• Declines in monarch numbers signal loss of native prairies, pollinator meadows, and milkweed populations.

Habitat Needs

Monarchs require two major habitat components:

1. Larval host plants (milkweeds) for egg-laying and caterpillar food.

2. Nectar plants for adult energy, especially during migration.

Best Native Host Plants (Milkweeds)

Milkweeds (genus Asclepias) are the only plants monarch caterpillars eat. For the Midwest/Great Lakes (including Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin), the following are most suitable:

Top Host Species

1. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

   • Tall, clumping; thrives in open fields, roadsides.

   • Extremely high egg-laying preference.

   • Widely adaptable; tolerates dry to moist soils.

2. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

   • Bright orange flowers; highly attractive to both monarchs and other pollinators.

   • Prefers dry, sandy, or well-drained soils.

   • Great for garden use due to non-aggressive spread.

3. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

   • Pink flowers; thrives in wetter soils, rain gardens, and near ponds.

   • Excellent nectar source for migrating adults.

4. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

   • Narrow leaves, delicate white flowers.

   • Good for dry, sandy, or poor soils.

   • Blooms later in summer, extending food availability.

5. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)

   • Woodland edge species; tolerates part shade.

   • Good option for semi-shaded garden edges or woodland restorations.

Supporting Plants Beyond Milkweed

Nectar Sources

To fuel adults (especially migrants), include native flowering plants blooming spring–fall:

• Early Season: Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis).

• Summer: Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), blazing stars (Liatris spp.), bee balm (Monarda fistulosa), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

• Fall (critical for migration): Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), New England aster (S. novae-angliae), goldenrods (Solidago spp.).

Ecological Planting Tips

• Diversity: Mix at least 2–3 milkweed species with staggered bloom times and habitat tolerances.

• Clumps, not singles: Plant milkweeds in groups (3–5 or more) for easier detection by monarchs.

• Chemical-free: Avoid pesticides/herbicides; monarchs are sensitive to both direct toxins and reduced milkweed availability.

• Continuous nectar: Provide blooms from May through October to support breeding adults and migrants.

• Landscape integration: Pair milkweed with other prairie natives (e.g., prairie dropseed, little bluestem) for structural diversity and ecological resilience.

Conservation Significance

• Monarch populations have dropped by ~80–90% in the last two decades, largely due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

• Planting native milkweed and nectar sources is one of the most direct ways to aid their recovery, especially in urban/suburban areas where native prairies have been lost.