While watering the garden this evening I spotted two pairs of red milkweed beetles. Initially alarmed, I looked them up, and found they feed off the milkweed but pose no threat to monarch butterflies or caterpillars. They help to preserve the balance of nature so I let them be. They emit a shrill cry if frightened, but also purr when feeding. I was actually pleased that this proves I’ve been successful in helping to create an ecosystem in the garden for wildlife. And of course, they are also a possible food source for birds.