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Monarch butterflies are one of North America's most easily recognized insects. They are known for their long-distance migrations, which can be as far as 4,000km.
Scientists have seen major population declines and the IUCN list Monarch butterflies as a vulnerable species. What is making them disappear?
Meet the Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies have bright orange and black wings. They may look alike, but on closer look, there are subtle differences in their wing markings. Males have a small black scent spot on a vein of each hindwing. Females don't have these spots at all.
Their long migrations are among the world's longest insect migrations. Monarch butterflies are found throughout North America. The adults feed on nectar; however, the caterpillars can eat only one plant - milkweed.
Why Are Monarch Butterflies Disappearing?
There isn't just one reason - several problems are happening at the same time.
Habitat Loss
- Fields, meadows, and prairies are disappearing.
- More roads and buildings are being built.
- Less natural habitat.
Milkweed Is Disappearing
Explanation:
- Monarchs lay eggs only on milkweed.
- Caterpillars cannot survive without it.
- Herbicide use and land conversion have greatly reduced milkweed in many areas.
Pesticides
- Some pesticides kill butterflies directly.
- Others kill insects they depend on.
- Herbicides remove milkweed and flowering plants.
Climate Change
- Drought
- Heat waves
- Strong storms
- Changing migration timing
These can make survival and migration more difficult.
Why Monarch Butterflies Matter
Monarch butterflies are important pollinators. They help wildflowers reproduce and are part of a healthy ecosystem. Monarchs are also a food source for some wildlife. Only a few bird species can tolerate them because milkweed contains defensive chemicals called cardenolides.
An indicator of environmental health is a kaleidoscope of butterflies.
How Scientists Are Helping
Scientists are helping the Monarch butterfly populations by restoring prairies and planting native milkweed. They are also tracking and tagging these butterflies.
Citizen science projects are creating awareness while the local government is protecting overwintering forests in Mexico.
What You Can Do To Help
Simple actions:
- Plant native milkweed
- Plant nectar flowers that bloom through the seasons
- Reduce pesticide use
- Create a butterfly garden
- Participate in butterfly counts
- Teach others about monarch conservation
Amazing Monarch Butterfly Facts - Review
- Monarchs travel thousands of miles during migration.
- They taste bad to many predators because of chemicals from milkweed.
- Their bright colors warn predators to stay away.
- Millions of Monarch Butterflies gather together in Mexico each winter.
There Is Hope
Small butterfly gardens can make a real difference and every milkweed plant helps create a habitat for the next generation of Monarch butterflies.
RESOURCES:
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
(prices were correct at time of publishing)
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Milkweed Seeds (5 packs) - $9.99
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