Monarch Butterfly – 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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A Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, scientifically known as Brachypelma smithi, running on yellow sand. The tarantula has a dark brown body with reddish-orange joints on its legs and its long black hairy legs are visible as it moves.

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Close-up of a female Chinese Preying Mantis, also known as California Preying Mantis, sitting on a twig with its forelegs folded in front of its body.

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A close-up photo of a Red Palm Weevil, a type of beetle known for its elongated snout and red-brown exoskeleton. The weevil is shown resting on a tree trunk with its wings folded, and its segmented body and long antennae are visible.

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A macro shot of a Stick Insect, scientifically known as Carausius morosus, photographed up close. The insect has a brown, stick-like body with thin legs and antennae, and its camouflage adaptation to mimic a twig is visible in the image.

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This macro image shows a detailed view of an Asbolus beetle, a type of darkling beetle. The beetle is about 1 inch in length and has a dark blue or black exoskeleton with rough, warty bumps on its elytra (hardened forewings).

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A vibrant and colorful Rainbow Grasshopper, also known as Dactylotum, captured in a photo showcasing its bright hues of red, yellow, green, and blue. The grasshopper is shown perched on a rock with its long hind legs and antennae clearly visible.

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A close-up image of a large Stag Beetle, with its distinctive long, curved mandibles visible. The beetle has a shiny black exoskeleton and large, round eyes.

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A Goliath Birdeater, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi, belonging to the tarantula family Theraphosidae. The large spider has a dark brown body with light-colored markings, and its long, hairy legs and two sharp fangs are visible in the image.

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Close-up photos of an Asian Rhinoceros Beetle, showcasing its intricate and beautiful exoskeleton pattern and texture. The beetle has a curved horn-like protrusion on its head and its large compound eyes are also visible.

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A Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, scientifically known as Brachypelma smithi, running on yellow sand. The tarantula has a dark brown body with reddish-orange joints on its legs and its long black hairy legs are visible as it moves.

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