1. by Sara Endler and Tress Riley
The Monarch Butterfly
by Sara Endler and Tress Riley

2. 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

3. Monarch Life Cycle

4. 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

5. What do Monarch Larva Eat?
Milkweed
Why?
Milkweed produces chemicals in the Monarch which are toxic to predators, such as birds!

6. Larva to Pupa Larger Larva Journey to Pupa
Larva feeds on Milkweed for 2 weeks. (2 inch long caterpillers.)

7. From Pupa to Adult Closed Pupa Coming Out!
Spends 2 weeks in the pupa. Becomes transparent over time.

8. Adults Males and Females
Males have scent glands to produce pheromones.
Females have thicker veins and no dots.
scent glands
thicker veins

9. 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

10. Predators
Black Headed Grosbeak
Black Backed Oriole
mice and voles

11. What’s So Special???
Resource:

13. Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Reserve (for Hibernation)

15. Monarch Links Monarch Butterfly Website
Monarch Butterfly - Journey North
Monarch Butterfly USA
Monarch Watch - Education and Conservation
National Geographic Video