by Sara Endler and Tress Riley The Monarch Butterfly by Sara Endler and Tress Riley
Scientific Genus and Species: Danaus plexippus Danaidae Scientific Genus and Species: Danaus plexippus Class: Insecta (insects) Order: Lepidoptera (butterflies) Family: Danaidae (Milkweed butterfly family) Genus: Danaus Species: plexippus
Monarch Life Cycle
From Egg to Larva Eggs on Milkweed **Larva eating its first meal – its shell** Eggs hatch in 3-12 days predators: ants, spiders, mites, and wasps
What do Monarch Larva Eat? Milkweed Why? Milkweed produces chemicals in the Monarch which are toxic to predators, such as birds!
Larva to Pupa Larger Larva Journey to Pupa Larva feeds on Milkweed for 2 weeks. (2 inch long caterpillers.)
From Pupa to Adult Closed Pupa Coming Out! Spends 2 weeks in the pupa. Becomes transparent over time.
Adults Males and Females Males have scent glands to produce pheromones. Females have thicker veins and no dots. scent glands thicker veins
Monarch’s Life Cycle Timeline Stage Time Egg Hatch in 3-12 days (usually in 4 days) Larva 2 Weeks Pupa Adult 2-6 Weeks
Predators Black Headed Grosbeak Black Backed Oriole mice and voles
What’s So Special??? Resource: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/Monarch.html
Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Reserve (for Hibernation)
Monarch Links Monarch Butterfly Website Monarch Butterfly - Journey North Monarch Butterfly USA Monarch Watch - Education and Conservation National Geographic Video