Monarch Butterfly Biology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the taxonomy of the Monarch Butterfly?

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Danaidae, Genus: Danaus, Species: plexippus.

What is the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly?

Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, Adult emerges, Adult.

List 4 facts about monarchs.

Specialists on milkweeds, Adults feed on nectar, Siphoning non-stylate haustilite mouth parts, Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides.

What kind of coloration do monarchs have?

Aposematic coloration. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of mimicry is associated with monarchs?

Viceroy- Müllerian and Automimicry. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Fred Urquhart?

He noticed clusters of monarchs on trees and came up with the idea of putting tags on them. Signup and view all the answers

When are monarch generations in Iowa in the summer?

June, mid-July, late August. Signup and view all the answers

Who returns and how do they get here, and when do they leave?

The 2nd generation returns here; they cue to leave when the sun is at 56 degrees above the horizon. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Monarchs when they migrate?

They don't have mature eggs, save energy for flight, and migrate transvolcanic range to Michoacán, Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Monarchs at their overwintering sites?

They exhibit 'oogenesis flight syndrome' and have lowered metabolic rates due to environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How far do Monarchs travel from Decorah?

1700 miles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 main threats to Monarchs?

Deforestation, predation, freezing. Signup and view all the answers

Are Monarchs in trouble due to agricultural practices?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why should we care about Monarchs and what should we do?

Monarchs pollinate; we should plant milkweed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Taxonomy of the Monarch Butterfly

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Danaidae
Genus: Danaus
Species: plexippus

Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle

Stages: Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, Adult
Development type: Holometabolous (life cycle involves four distinct stages)

Unique Facts about Monarchs

Specialists on milkweeds, which are crucial for their survival
Adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar
Siphoning mechanism using non-stylate haustilite mouthparts
Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides, toxic compounds that provide protection

Coloration

Displays aposematic coloration, serving as a warning signal to predators

Mimicry Types

Exhibits Mullerian mimicry with Viceroy butterflies
Displays automimicry, where parts of the same individual mimic each other

Fred Urquhart's Contributions

Observed clusters of monarchs on trees, leading to research on their migration
Pioneered the tagging of butterflies to trace their migration patterns
In 1976, uncovered migration routes of the butterflies

Monarch Generations in Iowa

Generational cycles occur in June, mid-July, and late August, termed tri-volting
Males can be identified by thinner wing veins compared to females

Migration Dynamics

Second generation of monarchs returns to Iowa; no individual completes a round trip
Migration cues triggered by sunlight when at an angle of 56 degrees above the horizon
Navigate using Earth's magnetic fields, polarized light, and scent trails from previous monarchs
Adults typically live 3-6 weeks in summer; migratory individuals can live 8-9 months during winter

Effects of Migration

Monarchs do not carry mature eggs during migration, conserving energy for long flights
Breeding occurs either in Mexico or upon their return to breeding grounds
Utilize cool and constant temperatures during the migratory period
Migration includes challenging routes like the transvolcanic range in Michoacán, Mexico

Overwintering Behavior

Monarchs experience "oogenesis flight syndrome," leading to reproductive dormancy during winter
Exhibits lowered metabolic rates as a response to environmental conditions

Distance Traveled from Decorah

Monarchs can travel approximately 1700 miles during migration

Main Threats to Monarchs

Deforestation leading to habitat loss
Predation from various natural threats
Extreme weather conditions resulting in freezing temperatures

Conservation Status

Monarch populations are in decline due to factors like herbicide use, particularly glyphosate in Roundup, which kills milkweed
Deforestation eliminates forest cover crucial for insulation during winter months

Importance of Monarchs and Conservation Actions

Monarchs play a crucial role as pollinators in ecosystems
Promoting the planting of milkweed and other native plants helps protect their habitats and ensure their survival

Description

Test your knowledge on the ecology and behavior of the Monarch Butterfly through interactive flashcards. Learn about its taxonomy, life cycle, and other fascinating facts about Danaus plexippus. Perfect for biology enthusiasts and students alike.