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Questions and Answers
What is the taxonomy of the Monarch Butterfly?
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?
What is the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly?
Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, Adult emerges, Adult.
List 4 facts about monarchs.
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?
What kind of coloration do monarchs have?
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What kind of mimicry is associated with monarchs?
What kind of mimicry is associated with monarchs?
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Who is Fred Urquhart?
Who is Fred Urquhart?
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When are monarch generations in Iowa in the summer?
When are monarch generations in Iowa in the summer?
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Who returns and how do they get here, and when do they leave?
Who returns and how do they get here, and when do they leave?
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What happens to Monarchs when they migrate?
What happens to Monarchs when they migrate?
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What happens to Monarchs at their overwintering sites?
What happens to Monarchs at their overwintering sites?
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How far do Monarchs travel from Decorah?
How far do Monarchs travel from Decorah?
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What are the 3 main threats to Monarchs?
What are the 3 main threats to Monarchs?
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Are Monarchs in trouble due to agricultural practices?
Are Monarchs in trouble due to agricultural practices?
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Why should we care about Monarchs and what should we do?
Why should we care about Monarchs and what should we do?
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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
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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.
