Monarch Butterflies

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Growing up I was constantly chasing and collecting bugs, but my most vivid memory of insects was one summer with my grandparents. I was outside in the prairie my gram planted and saw a little yellow and white caterpillar, which I grabbed and excitedly took back to my gram. She got out her field guide to butterflies and showed me how to take care of it while my grandpa built the proper habitat for my new friend to grow. Later that summer I watched my little friend spin his cocoon and hatch into a bright orange and black butterfly. From that summer one, I was hooked and continued to love monarchs, and now when I see one fly past I am reminded of the love my late grandfather and grandmother shared with me all those summers. 


The monarch’s scientific name is Danaus plexippus and is in the order Lepidoptera. They are commonly found throughout North America, with two separate populations split by the rocky mountains. There are also monarchs found in places like Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and other islands. It is hypothesized that they were either brought over by humans or in the wind during storms (NWF). Male butterflies are able to be distinguished from females by the presence of an extra black dot found on their lower right wing, which can be seen in the picture below. Monarch’s bright coloration wards off predators and warns them of their toxicity. Monarchs eat solely milkweed as caterpillars, which results in their toxicity as both larval and adult forms. 



Monarch butterflies are one of the most charismatic butterflies out there and one of the most well-known. They are easy to spot due to their bright color. There is another butterfly out there called a viceroy that looks almost identical to monarchs and is often called a monarch look alike. It is easy to tell the difference though once you are aware, as monarchs are significantly larger. Viceroys also have an extra black line through their bottom wing, which monarchs do not have. This phenomenon is called mimicry and helps to protect the viceroy. Since the monarch’s bright coloration warns of toxicity, the viceroy uses that to their advantage and tricks others.  


Unfortunately, the migratory monarch butterfly populations are on the decline. Monarchs are widely known for the large trip they take each year traveling all the way down to Mexico where they will overwinter. The reason for this trip is still currently under investigation, but we have learned how they are able to make the trip each year. It is believed that they follow the sun as a time compass (Taylor et. al). It depends on the time of the year and the sun’s position as when monarchs start their migration. Since climate change is causing the earth to stay warmer longer, this is messing with their start times, and they are not able to migrate properly. 


According to the IUCN’s red list, migratory monarchs are listed as endangered. Some reasons for their decline include habitat loss and pesticides. A lot of farmers are removing weeds from their farms, which includes the removal of milkweed. Without milkweed, monarchs are not able to eat. One way we can help monarchs and other pollinators is to plant gardens and include milkweed in it! The loss of habitat also includes deforestation and urbanization. This removes other areas where monarchs are able to live and there is an increase in dangers in the city. Where they once did not have to worry about cars, they are now being hit by them. 


Monarchs live one in my heart during the winter months when we are not graced by their presence. In the summer months, I always stop and break for them as they cross the streets near our prairies. Monarch season is the best season and someday I hope to make it down to Mexico to see my monarch friends in their full glory. 



References 

Emma Pelton (The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation), University), J. P. (I. S., Wayne Thogmartin (United States Geological Survey (USGS)), Wisconsin-Madison), K. O. (U. of, & Anna Walker (Albuquerque Biopark, N. M. (2021, December 30). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/194052138/219151401 

“Monarch Butterfly.” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Monarch-Butterfly. Accessed 18 May 2023. 

Taylor Jr, O. R., Lovett, J. P., Gibo, D. L., Weiser, E. L., Thogmartin, W. E., Semmens, D. J., ... & Grundel, R. (2019). Is the timing, pace, and success of the monarch migration associated with sun angle?. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7, 442.

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