Don't mess with Mother Nature .. or, should I -?-

Just found these lil bitty guys munching out on the flower buds of the Butterfly Weed .. which, in itself, is a new one to me. Knew they pigged out on the leaves .. but I suppose it's quite possible, that I'd just never noticed their interest in consuming the buds!

My concern, however .. is what I'd spyballed sitting on the underside of one of the Butterfly Weed leaves, right near by. The spider doesn't strike me, that he'd be up to any good ...

I usually leave Mother Nature to her own .. but should I consider intervening; to increase the odds of the Monarch cats survival. They're already in dire competition with an infestation of Milkweed Bugs this year.

I've been holding out for a day or so, in hopes that the spider may be much more interested in the Milkweed Bugs.

Any knowledgeable input, would be most appreciated ...

- Magpye

I wouldd get that spider out of there! Caterpillars are prey for many spiders.

Cool crab spider. I like crab spiders, but I don't like them next to my cats either. Put him next to an infestation of something you don't want. These spiders generally hang out on plants where they blend in or hide until something tasty crosses their path, so make sure he has cover. Some of them look like the flowers they inhabit - very pretty.

All spiders bite, however, crab spiders are not aggressive to people. I'd thump him in a small container and dump where you want him to go.

Alrighty .. The leggy lil fella will get a transfer, ASAP.

Thank you, guys ..

- Magpye