MONARCH BUTTERFLY

Monarch Butterflies

Monarch Butterflies have many interesting habits and qualities about them. Some of these qualities are migration/habitat, diet, life span, and predators. Also, Monarch Butterflies' population is decreasing due to many factors, and spreading awareness is very important.

MONARCH MIGRATION- FACTS

• Monarchs migrate from the United States and Canada, to different Oyamel forests in Mexico.
• They huddle together on tree branches in huge groups to stay warm.
• The reason Monarchs migrate is to get away from the cold in Canada, to the hot, dry climate of Mexico.

DiET OF A MONARCH BUTTERFLY

• As caterpillars, Monarchs only eat the milkweed plant they were born on.
• The milkweed Monarch caterpillars feed on is poisonous, giving them a weapon to use on predators.
• Female Monarchs lay one egg on each milkweed plant, so that the baby caterpillar always has food to eat.
• Adult Monarchs feed on nectar from many different types of flowers, and while doing so they spread pollen to other flowers.

Life Cycle

MONARCH BUTTERFLY LIFE CYCLE

• Monarch Butterflies live a maximum of 5 weeks, with an exception of the last generation born at the end of summer.
• Monarchs do not migrate to Mexico to breed, they migrate to stay warm and avoid the cold.

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES' PREDATORS

• The Black-Eared Mouse
• Black Beaked Orioles
• Black Headed Grosbeak (picture)

DECREASE IN MONARCH POPULATION

• In 1990-2015 the global Monarch Butterfly population went from 1 billion to 35 million.
• Global Warming definitely is causing Monarch population to decrease. What happens is that it throws off Monarch's migration location abilities, and they could come back when it is too cold and they will all die.

THE END!