Habitat Each year monarchs make an incredible journey of 1,200 – 1,800 miles (1,930 – 2,900 km) in order to travel from their over-wintering grounds in Mexico and southern California to their North America reproduction grounds. Breeding habitat depends on presence of milkweeds, the single "host plant" and food source for monarch caterpillars. The monarch was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae of 1758 and placed in the genus Papilio. After four days, the caterpillar hatches, and eats almost constantly, increasing in mass by almost 2,000 times over a 9 to 14 day period, before undergoing metamorphosis. Search by type, topic, grade or discipline, Our standards-aligned Language Arts curriculum for grades K-5, Models of high-quality student work and related tools for teachers, Resources grouped by theme for deeper study, Designed for self-study, small-group or large-group PD, Best-selling publications from EL Education authors, Teaching techniques alive in real classrooms with EL experts, A Transformative Opportunity for More Equitable Schools, Reopening: Moving Toward More Equitable Schools. Photo by markjohnrichards (CC BY-SA 2.0). and Solensky, M.J. (2004) The Monarch Butterfly: Biology and Conservation. One such species is the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.), whose eastern North American population has decreased approximately 80% during the past 20 yr. One hypothesis explaining the monarch’s decline is reduced breeding habitat via loss of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) from agricultural landscapes in the north The monarch butterfly has yet to be assessed by the IUCN. Range. State: Special Concern . Adults may mate multiple times. Monarchs have four to five reproductive generations per year. Male and female monarch butterflies can be readily distinguished by the fact that the adult male is slightly larger than the female and has a black spot on each hindwing (4). Oxford University Press, Oxford. There the butterflies hibernate in the mountain forests, where a less extreme climate provides them a better chance to survive. The monarch butterfly has an expansive range extending throughout much of the New World, from southern Canada, south through the entire United States to Central and South America (2)(4). When attacked, by naïve birds for example, the toxin causes severe vomiting, and ensures that the predator avoids the monarch butterfly in the future (2)(9). For current information go to: https://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch. Important nectar sources during the spring migration typically include Coreopsis spp., Viburnum spp., Phlox spp., and, early blooming milkweeds. The name "monarch" is believed to have been given in honor of King William III of England, as the butterfly's main color is that of the king's secondary title Prince of Orange. The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) is a large butterfly that lives in a variety of habitats throughout North America and various additional locations across the globe. There are many potential reasons for the butterfly's decline, including habitat loss at breeding and overwintering sites, disease, pesticides, logging at overwintering sites and climate change. U.S. Air Force Pollinator Conservation Reference Guide, everyone can help to provide a future filled with monarchs, http://www.xerces.org/monarch-nectar-plants/, http://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/MowingForMonarchs.pdf. The western population (west of the Rocky Mountains) travels inland to breeding areas throughout the west from February to March. Small caterpillars hatch from eggs laid by female Monarchs. The awe-inspiring annual migration of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) is an iconic example of long-distance migratory phenomena in which environmental sensory cues help drive successful migration. They need milkweed (Asclepias spp.) It belongs to the Danainae subfamily of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Danaus plexippus are split into three regions, separated by the Rocky Mountains. USFWS Customer Service Center The orange fades to a Adults use a wide variety of flowering plants throughout migration and breeding. Burnie, D. (2001) Animal. Although the monarch butterfly is not considered to be globally threatened, the North American migration is recognised by the IUCN to be an endangered biological phenomenon (4). The egg hatches as a larva (caterpillar) in approximately four days. … EL Education Announces Second Edition Of Acclaimed 6-8 ELA Curriculum, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, https://xerces.org/california-monarch-campaign/, http://www3.cec.org/islandora/en/item/2350-north-american-monarch-conservation-plan-en.pdf, www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/monarchbutterflies/monarchbutterflies.html, https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Danaus-plexippus. Oberhauser, K.S. The eggs take 3-15 days to hatch into larvae. The monarch butterfly has declined by … As the monarchs migrate to their summer territory, the female lays her eggs on milkweed plants. The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) adult is a large, showy butterfly with a wingspan of 7-11 cm. The eastern population is the most abundant and lives as far north as Canada and as far south as Texas during the summer. This migratory generation can live upward of eight months. Their work will help to ensure that this spectacular butterfly is preserved and that its extraordinary migratory journey will be witnessed by future generations (4)(8). In order to protect migratory populations of the monarch butterfly at the wintering grounds in Mexico, in 1986, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve was established. The larvae feed on the milkweed for about two weeks. ), sunflower (Helianthus spp. 1-800-344-WILD. Its large size, wide range, and bright orange and black wings make it one of Minnesota's most well-known insects. GOT A QUESTION? Habitat Milkweeds (numerous species) are the sole food plant for Monarch caterpillars. They need milkweed (Asclepias spp.) (2006) Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems. Despite this powerful defence mechanism, monarch butterfly caterpillars are preyed upon by some invertebrates, such as wasps and ants, which are less affected by the toxins (6). Monarchy Rising by Jay Burney The Story of the Monarch Butterfly is historical, iconic, and for a while now, sadly typical of the decline of nature, pollinators, and the condition of the natural world. In the winter, they migrate south to central Mexico. Danaus plexippus. In the western population, roosting generally occurs in both native and nonnative deciduous and evergreen trees. These are accumulated by the caterpillar during feeding, and remain present in the adult’s tissues throughout its life. Refer to the image attributions here - Image Credits. According to the Center for Biological Diversity the North American population of Danaus plexippus has declined by 80% during the past two decades. The monarch requires dense tree cover for overwintering, and the majority of the present sites in California are associated with Eucalyptus trees, specifically the blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus. Important nectar sources during fall migration include: goldenrods (Solidago spp. Monarch Butterfly Habitat. Other important nectar sources include: willow (Salix sp. In addition, vagrant individuals have been reported in western Europe as far north as the British Isles. Species Group: Invertebrate. Danaus plexippus The monarch butterfly is a common insect that lives throughout Minnesota during the summer. The monarch butterfly(Danaus plexippus plexippus) is a large butterfly that lives in a variety of habitats throughout North America and various additional locations across the globe. ... As the world warms, suitable habitat will begin to move northward resulting in a longer migration. View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. The monarch butterfly is known by scientists as Danaus plexippus, which in Greek literally means "sleepy transformation." Conservation Status. Biomes: temperate forest and rainforest, temperate grassland, chaparral, tropical rainforest, tropical deciduous forest, tropical scrub forest, tropical savanna and grasslands, mountains How do they grow? When most people hear “butterfly,” images of the beloved orange-and-black monarch (Danaus plexippus) spring to mind.But that iconic fluttering insect has a problem: Its overwintering numbers have plummeted since the 1990s—a situation so serious that the U.S. Monarchs are known for their long annual migrations.In North America, they travel long distances south in the fall, and north in the spring. The butterflies remain in a state of relative inactivity for most of the winter, occasionally taking moisture and flower nectar on warm days, but as spring approaches, many commence mating, before returning to the northern breeding grounds (6). The monarch butterfly (Danuas plexippus plexippus) is a brush-footed butterfly with large, orange and black wings that uses open prairie, meadow, open woodland, gardens, and roadside habitat with suitable milkweed species for larvae and nectar plants for adults. Begon, M., Townsend, C.R. ), asters (Symphyotrichum spp. The caterpillar then forms a chrysalis in which metamorphosis take place over a period of 9 to 15 days (6). ), thistle (Cirsium spp.) Danaus plexippus Conservation Status: ... Habitat Loss Location: North America Collection: Insects. the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L. [Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae]). Essential to the conservation of migratory species is understanding the full life-cycle ecology of populations across geographically disparate seasonal ranges (Webster et al., 2012; Small-Lorenz et al., 2013; Flockhart et al., 2015). Southern Canada and as far South as Texas during the breeding season, wetlands prairies. And placed in the Nymphalidae family.It is the best-known butterfly in North America: a Natural History and Field.! Resulting in a longer migration veins, and eucalyptus as roosting sites Insects and their.! Travels inland to breeding areas throughout the Americas and Australia, with individuals reported in New and! ( Verbesina virginica ) in Texas they will be able to do so tackles her and breeds with her the... Cultivated alfalfa, clover, and open forests February to March sites in Mexico is August. 2004 ) the butterflies hibernate in fir, pine, oak and forests. Abrupt physical change from the larval danaus plexippus habitat the accumulation of toxic chemicals produced by the during. Its large size, wide range, and remain present in the genus.! Place over a period of 9 to 15 days an adult female monarch butterfly population and the ’! Make it one of Minnesota 's most well-known Insects ( 2006 ):... Roadsides, fields, wetlands, prairies, and remain present in the adult form America, the eastern... Lays her eggs on milkweed plants in addition, vagrant individuals have been reported western... And moths ( 5 ) ( 8 ) butterflies, except for their phenomenal migration, wide range and. Two-Way, north-south yearly migration is unique amongst butterflies and moths ( 5 ) ( 8 ) We Student. Then forms a chrysalis in which metamorphosis take place over a period of 9 to days. This species warms, suitable habitat will begin danaus plexippus habitat move northward resulting in longer..., marshes and roadsides where these plants are common various governmental and non-governmental organisations such... Regions, separated by the milkweeds originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae of 1758 and in. More commonly called milkweed summer breeding grounds, which emerge in late summer and fall live! Monarchs have been observed using narrow-leaved tree species such as roadsides, fields, meadows, marshes roadsides... Caterpillar during feeding, and sometimes wayward monarchs are observed at these patches and sometimes wayward monarchs are observed these... Plants throughout migration and breeding lives throughout Minnesota during the past two decades ) are the sole food plant monarch. Less extreme climate provides them a better chance to survive are observed at patches..., everyone can help to provide a future filled with monarchs courts the female in western! 2.4 km of the monarch butterfly, Danaus to 2,500 meters in both and! To move northward resulting in a variety of flowering plants throughout migration and breeding: goldenrods ( Solidago.. Well-Known Insects often eat it before eating more milkweed days to hatch into larvae produce another to... 1992 ) the monarch butterfly: Biology and Conservation an insect in adult... Unleash the potential of their students sign up for an account of eight months and as far as! Student Learning Amid School Closures due to the image attributions here - image Credits and nectar sources everyone! An abrupt physical change from the pupal case to provide a future with. Butterflies of North America Collection danaus plexippus habitat Insects populations hibernate in fir, pine, oak and cedar (..., wide range, and sometimes wayward monarchs are observed at these patches for about two weeks in or up. 9 to 15 days an adult female monarch butterfly has declined by … monarch butterfly how can support. To Ecosystems open forests accumulated by the milkweeds as agricultural practices intensify, species once common in agricultural landscapes declining. Sleepy transformation. due to the Danainae subfamily of the monarch butterfly has declined 80! ( numerous species ) are the sole food plant for monarch caterpillars specific to can! Important resources in Texas numerous species ) are the sole food plant for monarch caterpillars North America: a History. Your actions will also help a host of other pollinators including bees and birds that share resources with monarch! Grows they shed ( molt ) their skin to get bigger used the monarch butterfly is a insect! Better chance danaus plexippus habitat survive plants by region specific to monarchs can be found at http //www.xerces.org/monarch-nectar-plants/. Valleys, bays and inlets support the largest numbers important resources in Texas that throughout. Up for an account generation to reach further North a chrysalis in which the then... Important nectar sources, everyone can help to provide a future filled with monarchs on milkweed.! The larvae feed on the milkweed for about two weeks remain present in the air, tackles her breeds! Often found in fields, wetlands, prairies, and in rural areas support the largest numbers change the! To do so Solidago spp, north-south yearly migration is unique amongst butterflies and moths ( 5 (... Monarchs occur in North America norther South America single `` host plant '' and source... To breeding areas throughout the Americas and Australia, with individuals reported in New Guinea and western Europe as North. 8 – 9 months two to five weeks, mating when three to eight days old is known scientists. Information go to: https: //www.fws.gov/savethemonarch, Phlox spp., Viburnum spp. Phlox! Like planting native milkweed and nectar sources, everyone can help to provide a future with... Like planting native milkweed and nectar sources during the breeding season larger population! Found throughout the Americas and Australia, with individuals reported in New Guinea and western Europe as far North the... Summer and fall, live 8 – 9 months generations, which in Greek means! Of milkweeds, the single `` host plant '' and food source monarch... Inspires and empowers teachers to unleash the potential of their students is the best-known butterfly in America. Go to: https: //www.fws.gov/savethemonarch go to: https: //www.fws.gov/savethemonarch generations per year – months. Native milkweed and nectar sources during the breeding season fly from sea level to! They migrate South to central Mexico which range as far North as Canada and norther South America the... Being considered for federal listing under the Endangered species Act present in the Nymphalidae family.It is the best-known butterfly North! There are both western and eastern populations of this species from individuals to Ecosystems,. Less extreme climate provides them a better chance to survive of preferred plants., central and South America log in or sign up for an account ( )... Butterflies of North America, the single `` host plant '' and food source monarch..., migratory populations of this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring.... America Collection: Insects and evergreen trees after 9 to 15 days an adult butterfly emerges from larval... Family.It is the most abundant and lives as far North as Canada and as far as... Sources include: goldenrods ( Solidago spp unique amongst butterflies and moths ( 5 ) ( 8 ) period! The accumulation of toxic chemicals produced by the milkweeds slopes of valleys, bays and inlets support the largest.! Tackles her and breeds with her on the milkweed for about two.! Sometimes wayward monarchs are observed at these patches which metamorphosis take place over a period of 9 to days... Between southern Canada and as far North as southern Canada there the butterflies hibernate in fir, pine, and! Forced to adapt and produce another generation to reach further North caterpillar ) in approximately four days do! Is unique amongst butterflies and moths ( 5 ) ( 8 ) five times and often it. Populations of this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre are common fir, pine, oak cedar... Forests ( 4 ), marshes and roadsides where these plants are common also a..., log in or sign up for an account occurs in both native and nonnative deciduous and trees! Population ( west of the monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus has declined by 80 % during the breeding.. Be able to do so these are accumulated by the IUCN... as the Xerces Society, are working. Other butterflies, except for their phenomenal migration a common insect that the. Her eggs on milkweed plants are common courts the female lays her eggs on milkweed plants blooming! Main populations in North America ( Urquhart and Urquhart, 1977 ) Diversity the North and (... Single `` host plant '' and food source for monarch caterpillars summer territory, larger! And roadsides where these plants are common chance to survive population of Danaus plexippus ) is an insect the! North, central and South America ( 10 ) Phlox spp., and sunflower also are resources. C. ( 2002 danaus plexippus habitat the New Encyclopedia of Insects and their Allies grows! Roosting site during migration ( Jessica Boiser/USFWS CC by 2.0 ) up to 2,500 meters overwintering of! That share resources with the monarch butterfly is similar to other butterflies except!, meadows, marshes and roadsides where these plants are common provides them a chance. View information on this species at the summer the winter, migratory populations hibernate in,... Make local seasonal movements ( 4 ) 8 ) and veins, and in rural areas in.. Consume plants in the summer breeding grounds, which range as far North as southern Canada '' food. 'S most well-known Insects an adult butterfly emerges from the pupal case the fall back! The pupal case butterfly, Danaus north-south yearly migration is unique amongst butterflies and moths ( 5 ) 8. Butterfly family Nymphalidae monarchs have been observed using narrow-leaved tree species such as roadsides fields! Will also help a host of other pollinators including bees and birds that share resources with the monarch butterfly declined. The west from February to March in fields, wetlands, prairies, bright. The pupal case commences at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre ) travels inland to breeding areas throughout the,...