Some of the animals that eat milkweed include:
* Monarch butterflies: Monarch butterflies are one of the most well-known animals that eat milkweed. The caterpillars of monarch butterflies feed exclusively on milkweed plants. The toxins in the milkweed make the caterpillars poisonous to birds and other predators.
* Other butterflies: In addition to monarch butterflies, there are a number of other butterfly species that eat milkweed. These include the queen butterfly, the eastern tiger swallowtail, and the black swallowtail.
* Milkweed bugs: Milkweed bugs are a type of insect that feed on milkweed plants. The nymphs of milkweed bugs feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, while the adults feed on the flowers and seeds.
* Aphids: Aphids are a type of small, soft-bodied insect that feed on the sap of plants. Milkweed plants are a common host for aphids.
* Birds: Some birds, such as the American goldfinch and the house finch, will eat the seeds of milkweed plants.
The toxins in milkweed can be harmful to some animals, but they are a valuable food source for others. Milkweed plants are an important part of the food chain for a variety of animals.