Why the monarch butterfly is an extraordinary insect?
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/monarch-butterfly/
Its because there color ?
Please read the site I posted for you. You'll find several reasons why the monarch is extraordinary.
I did read it , Is that one ? And also because its very big , There colors on there skin tells people not to eat them because there poisoned .. They can transform into something else.
That's a good start.
What do the butterfly larvae eat?
When they migrate, where do they start? Where do they go? Is that a long way?
drinking nectar from flowers, milkweed, clover, and goldenrod.
Yes.
But the migration is more remarkable.
Thank you
You're welcome. I hope you have the information about the migration.
The monarch butterfly is considered an extraordinary insect for several reasons. First and foremost, their long-distance migration patterns are exceptional. Monarchs are known to travel thousands of miles every fall from their breeding grounds in North America to their overwintering sites in Mexico or California. This is an astonishing feat for such a small creature.
To understand why the monarch butterfly is exceptional, let's examine its unique characteristics and behaviors:
1. Stunning Coloration: Monarchs are renowned for their vibrant orange and black wings, featuring intricate patterns. These colors serve as a warning to potential predators that they are toxic. The toxins come from the milkweed plants they feed on during their larval stage, which are poisonous to many animals. This brilliant coloration is a remarkable adaptation for their survival.
2. Life Cycle: The metamorphosis of a monarch butterfly is a fascinating process. It starts with the female laying tiny eggs on the undersides of milkweed leaves. Once hatched, the caterpillars consume the leaves and grow rapidly. After a few molts, they form a chrysalis, within which they develop and transform into a butterfly. This transformation from a crawling caterpillar to a delicate, flying insect is truly remarkable.
3. Long-Distance Migration: Monarchs are known for their epic migration journeys. In North America, they embark on a southward migration every fall, flying up to 3,000 miles to reach their overwintering sites in Mexico or California. This migration is striking because it spans several generations. The butterflies that reach the destination are not the same ones that started the journey. Yet, they can navigate and return to the same overwintering sites year after year.
Understanding the exceptional nature of monarch butterflies involves appreciating their spectacular journey, vibrant coloration, and incredible life cycle. These aspects make them a fascinating and extraordinary insect in the natural world.