Monarch Butterfly – The Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science

Danaus plexippus

Monarch Butterfly

Herbivore: Eats nectar, milkweed

Geography: Breeding grounds in northern United States and Canada, migrate to central mexico

Habitat: MIlkweed meadows

Interesting facts:

One of the most identifiable studied butterflies due to their orange and black coloring
Millions of monarchs migrate to Mexico each year during the winter where temperatures are warmer
They are poisonous to predators due to the milkweed they consume and store in their bodies
They have a specific gene that gives them strong muscles to maintain long-distance flights
The major reason why they are endangered species lies with the disappearance of milkweed
Monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants which has contributed to a decline in reproduction
They have a proboscis which is a small tube that helps them eat nectar. It coils up when not in use
They have 6 legs in total but the first 2 are tucked under the body

An orange butterfly with black markings perched on a cluster of orange cosmos flowers. The butterfly has its wings spread out, revealing intricate patterns of black veins and spots. The background shows other flowers and green foliage.

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Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

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