Interesting Insects
Volume #2
Hello!
Monarchs are one of the most well known butterflies on the planet. Known for their bright orange wings which are a warning to predators that they are dangerous. Like all butterflies they undergo complete metamorphosis.
Their larvae are white black and yellow caterpillars that can be found on milkweed. When these caterpillars form their chrysalis they stay there for two weeks before emerging as butterflies. During the fall monarchs fly south to Mexico where they hibernate over the winter. When they wake up in the spring they mate and fly back to where they were born to lay eggs and start the process again. Unfortunately, monarch populations are in danger due to pesticides on milkweed and habitat loss.
Monarchs are officially considered endangered. Milkweed is their main source of food and where they lay their eggs. They also form their chrysalis on milkweed. When they consume milkweed with pesticide it kills them. They also are at risk of being hit by cars when migrating. If they do make it to Mexico they have to contend with habitat loss due to urbanization.
Although due to conservation efforts monarch populations are starting to increase. Some conservation efforts include Save Our Monarchs and the Monarch Butterfly Fund. You can also help by planting milkweed in your backyard or refrain from spraying pesticides.
Thanks for reading and have a nice day.
Arrow Forest
Monarchs are one of the most well known butterflies on the planet. Known for their bright orange wings which are a warning to predators that they are dangerous. Like all butterflies they undergo complete metamorphosis.
Their larvae are white black and yellow caterpillars that can be found on milkweed. When these caterpillars form their chrysalis they stay there for two weeks before emerging as butterflies. During the fall monarchs fly south to Mexico where they hibernate over the winter. When they wake up in the spring they mate and fly back to where they were born to lay eggs and start the process again. Unfortunately, monarch populations are in danger due to pesticides on milkweed and habitat loss.
Monarchs are officially considered endangered. Milkweed is their main source of food and where they lay their eggs. They also form their chrysalis on milkweed. When they consume milkweed with pesticide it kills them. They also are at risk of being hit by cars when migrating. If they do make it to Mexico they have to contend with habitat loss due to urbanization.
Although due to conservation efforts monarch populations are starting to increase. Some conservation efforts include Save Our Monarchs and the Monarch Butterfly Fund. You can also help by planting milkweed in your backyard or refrain from spraying pesticides.
Thanks for reading and have a nice day.
Arrow Forest