Monarch
Family:
Nymphalidae (brushfooted butterflies)
Description:
On adults, the upper surfaces of the wings are rusty or tawny orange with black veins; the wing edges are black with small white spots. The undersides of wings are lighter orange or yellow-brown. The veins are darker on females, and males have a black spot on their hindwings. Larvae are white with black and yellow bands; the head is white with yellow and black markings; a pair of long, black filaments are on the thorax and a shorter pair near the end of the abdomen.
Size:
Wingspan: 3½–4 inches; larvae can grow up to 2 inches long.
Habitat and conservation:
Monarchs are found in a wide variety of habitats: fields and grasslands, roadsides and urban and suburban plantings. They are famous for their annual migration to overwinter in Mexico. Because of deforestation in the monarch’s wintering grounds, this famous species has been declining. Efforts are under way to protect this species and restore its habitat. Missourians are encouraged to plant milkweeds for the larvae and flowers that supply nectar for the adults.
Foods:
Monarch larvae feed on a variety of milkweeds, which contain cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are stored in the insect’s body and render it unpalatable and toxic to many predators. The bright color patterns of both larvae and adults advertise their toxicity to would-be predators. As adults, monarchs consume the nectar of a wide variety of flowers, particularly New England aster and other members of the sunflower family.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide
Status:
Common throughout the state.
Life cycle:
Broods are produced in Missouri in summer and fall. Adults migrate to Mexico in late summer and fall; then, when they fly north in spring, they reproduce in Oklahoma or Texas. Their offspring continue northward, returning “home” some generations later. Eggs are laid in the spring and summer and hatch in about 4 days. The caterpillars eat milkweed. After about 2 weeks, the caterpillar enters the chrysalis stage. The mature butterfly emerges in about 2 weeks.
Human connections:
Monarchs are popular with gardeners and nature watchers. Educators commonly raise monarchs as a way of teaching about insect life cycles. Where they flock in great numbers, monarchs can contribute to the local tourism economy.
Ecosystem connections:
Monarchs play an important role in all the ecosystems pass through during migration. Despite the monarchs’ general toxicity, some predators can eat them. Additionally, they developed as Müllerian mimics with the similar-looking viceroy butterfly, each mimicking the other’s warning coloration. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3419
